KR20130108091A - Surgical system instrument manipulator - Google Patents

Abstract

A robotic surgical system is provided that includes an instrument manipulator and an instrument manipulator 342. In one embodiment, the instrument manipulator includes a plurality of independent mover drive modules, each of the plurality of mover drive modules including mover outputs 442b, c, d, and e, the mover outputs respectively being And to independently start the corresponding mover input of the surgical instrument without force input from the other mover output. The instrument manipulator further includes a frame 542i for receiving a plurality of independent mover drive modules, the frame comprising a distal end, from which distal end of the actuator output protrudes distal to correspond to the actuation of the surgical instrument. Meshes with device input.

Description

Surgical System Instrument Manipulator {SURGICAL SYSTEM INSTRUMENT MANIPULATOR}

Reference to Related Application

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61 / 334,978, entitled “Surgical System”, filed May 14, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

This application is related to US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 762,165, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 762,165 claims the priority of subsequent US patent applications, all of which are incorporated herein by reference: 60 / 813,028, titled “Single Entry System 2,” filed June 13, 2006. , Cooper et al .; 60 / 813,029, titled “Single Inlet Surgical System 1” filed June 13, 2006, Cooper; 60 / 813,030, entitled “Independently Operated Optical Train,” filed June 13, 2006, Larkin et al .; 60 / 813,075, titled “Modular Cannula Structure”, filed June 13, 2006, Larkin et al .; 60 / 813,125, entitled “Method for Delivering Instrument to Surgical Site via Intermediate Structure with Minimal Confusion”, submitted June 13, 2006, Larkin et al .; 60 / 813,126, titled “Rigorous Single Entry Surgical System”, filed Jun. 13, 2006, Cooper; 60 / 813,129, entitled “Minimum Net Force Operation,” filed June 13, 2006, Cooper et al .; 60 / 813,131, entitled “Side Working Tools and Cameras”, filed June 13, 2006, Duval et al .; 60 / 813,172, titled “Cable Through Joints” filed June 13, 2006 Cooper; 60 / 813,173, titled “Smooth Bending Hollow Instrument Joint”, filed June 13, 2006, Larkin et al .; 60 / 813,198, entitled “Retraction Apparatus and Method”, filed June 13, 2006, Mohr et al .; 60 / 813,207, titled "Sense Structures for Endorum Robots," filed June 13, 2006, Diolaiti et al .; And 60 / 813,328, entitled “Concept of Single Entry Laparoscopy”, filed June 13, 2006, Mohr et al.

The application also relates to the following pending US patent applications, all of which are incorporated herein by reference: 11 / 762,217, entitled “Single Entry Entry, Tissue Retraction for Robotic Assisted Medical Processes”, Mohr; 11 / 762,222, entitled “Single Inlet Entry, Support of Bundled Medical Devices for Robotic Assisted Medical Procedures”, Mohr et al .; 11 / 762,231, entitled “Extensionable Suction Surface for Supporting Medical Devices During Robotic Assisted Medical Procedures”, Schena; 11 / 762,236, entitled “Control System Configured to Compensate for a Non-Ideal Mobility-to-Joint Connection Feature in a Medical Robot System”, Diolaiti et al .; 11 / 762,185, entitled “Surgical Instrument Operation System”, Cooper et al .; 11 / 762,172, entitled “Surgical Instrument Mover”, Cooper et al .; 11 / 762,161, entitled “Minimally Invasive Surgical Instrument Improvement”, Larkin et al .; 11 / 762,158, entitled “Control and Operation of Surgical Instruments”, Cooper et al .; 11 / 762,154, entitled “Surgical Instrument with Parallel Operation Mechanism”, Cooper; 11 / 762,149, entitled “Minimum Invasive Surgical Device with Lateral Exit Mechanism”, Larkin; 11 / 762,170, entitled “Minimal Invasive Surgical Device with Lateral Exit Mechanism”, Larkin; 11 / 762,143, entitled “Minimum Invasive Surgical Instrument System”, Larkin; 11 / 762,135, titled “lateral view minimally invasive surgical instrument assembly” Cooper et al .; 11 / 762,132, entitled “Flat View Minimally Invasive Surgical Instrument Assembly” Cooper et al .; 11 / 762,127, entitled “Guide Tube Control for Minimally Invasive Surgical Instruments” Larkin et al .; 11 / 762,123, entitled “Minimum Invasive Surgical Guide Tube”, Larkin et al .; 11 / 762,120, entitled “Minimum Invasive Surgical Guide Tube”, Larkin et al .; 11 / 762,118, entitled “Minimum Invasive Surgery Retractor System”, Larkin; 11 / 762,114, entitled “Minimum Invasive Surgical Illumination”, Schena et al .; 11 / 762,110, titled "backing mechanism", Duval et al .; 11 / 762,204, titled "backing mechanism", Duval et al .; 11 / 762,202, entitled “Instrument / Tissue Collision Avoidance”, Larkin; 11 / 762,189, entitled “Reduced Minimally Invasive Surgical Instrument Assembly”, Larkin et al .; 11 / 762,191, entitled “Minimum Invasive Surgery System”, Larkin et al .; 11 / 762,196, entitled “Minimum Invasive Surgery System”, Duval et al .; And 11 / 762,200, entitled “Minimum Invasive Surgical System”, Diolaiti.

In addition, this application is related to the following US patent applications, all of which are incorporated herein by reference: 12 / 163,051, filed Jun. 27, 2008, entitled “Image Reference Camera Control Using Distributive Orientation and Translation Modes” Having a medical robotic system "); 12 / 163,069 (filed June 27, 2008, entitled “Medical Robotic System with Entry Guide Controller with Limited Instrument Tip Speed”); 12 / 494,695 (filed June 30, 2009, entitled “Control of a Medical Robot System Manipulator for Kinematic Unity”); 12 / 541,913 (August 15, 2009, titled “smooth control of articulated instrument cross-section area with different workspace conditions”); 12 / 571,675 (filed Oct. 1, 2009, titled “Cannula with Outer Window”); 12 / 613,328 (filed Nov. 5, 2009, entitled “Controller Assisted Reconfiguration of Articulated Instruments During Movement In and Out of Entry Guides”); 12 / 645,391 (filed Dec. 22, 2009, entitled “List of Instruments with Cycloidal Surfaces”); 12 / 702,200 (filed Feb. 8, 2010, titled “Direct Pull Surgical Gripper”); 12 / 704,669 (filed Feb. 12, 2010, titled “Medical Robotic System Providing Sensing Feedback Indicative of the Difference in Commanded Status and Desirable Posture of Articulated Instruments”); 12 / 163,087 (filed June 27, 2008, titled “Medical Robot System Providing an Auxiliary Screen of Articulated Instrument Extending from the Distal End of Entry Guide”); 12 / 780,071 (filed May 14, 2010, titled “Medical Robot System with Control Modes Connected”); 12 / 780,747, filed May 14, 2010, entitled “Cable Re-Sequencing Device”; 12 / 780,758, filed May 14, 2010, titled “Power Transfer for Robotic Surgical Instruments”; 12 / 780,773, filed May 14, 2010, entitled “Excessive Force Protection Mechanism”; 12 / 832,580 (July 8, 2010, titled "Exterior for Joint Application Mechanism"); U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 855,499 (filed Aug. 12, 2010, titled “Surgery System Sterile Drape” (Agent No. ISRG02430 / US)); U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 855,488 (filed Aug. 12, 2010, titled "Operating System Entry Guide" (Agent No. ISRG02450 / US); U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 855,413 (filed Aug. 12, 2010, titled “Surgical System Instrument Manipulator” (Agent Case No. ISRG02460 / US)); U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 855,434, filed Aug. 12, 2010, titled “Surgery System Architecture” (Agent Case No. ISRG02550 / US); U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 855,475 (filed Aug. 12, 2010, titled “Surgery System Counterweight” (Agent Representative No. ISRG02560 / US)); And US Patent Application No. 12 / 855,461 (August 12, 2010, titled “Surgical System Instrument Sterile Adapter” (Agent No. ISRG02820 / US)).

In robot-assisted or telerobot surgery, doctors typically manipulate the master controller to remotely control the operation of the surgical instrument at the surgical site from a location that may be remote from the patient (eg, across an operating room, in another operating room, or in a patient). In a completely different building than where it is). The master controller generally includes one or more hand input devices, such as joysticks, exoskeleton gloves, etc., which are connected to a surgical instrument with a servo motor to articulate the instrument at the surgical site. Servo motors are part of an electromechanical device or surgical manipulator (“slave”) that typically supports and controls surgical instruments that are introduced directly into an open surgical site or introduced through a trocar sleeve into a body cavity such as the abdomen of a patient. During operation, the surgical manipulator provides control of several surgical instruments, such as mechanical articulation and tissue gripping, needle drivers, electrosurgical cauterization probes, etc., which each hold or drive a needle, hold a blood vessel, or incise tissue It performs a variety of functions for the doctor, such as, cauterization, or coagulation.

The number of degrees of freedom (DOF) is the number of independent variables that uniquely identifies the attitude / configuration of the remote robotic system. Since the robot manipulator is a kinematic chain that maps the (input) joint space and the (output) cartesian space, the recognition of the DOF can be expressed in either of these two spaces. In particular, the set of joint DOF is the set of joint variables for all independently controlled joints. Joints without loss of generality are, for example, mechanisms that provide single translational (prism joint) or rotational (revolute joint) DOF. Some mechanism is contemplated that provides DOF motion greater than 1 from the kinematic modeling perspective as two or more separate joints. A set of Cartesian DOF is generally defined by three translational (position) variables (e.g. surge, heave, sway) and three rotational (direction) variables (e.g. Euler angle or roll / pitch / yaw angle). And they describe the position and orientation of the end actuator (or tip) frame in relation to a given reference Cartesian frame.

For example, a planar mechanism with end actuators mounted on two independent vertical rails has the ability to control the x / y position within the area spanning these two rails (prism DOF). If the end actuator can be rotated around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the rail, there will be three input DOFs corresponding to the three output DOFs (x / y position and direction angle of the end actuator) (two rail positions and yaw angles). ).

The number of non-extra Cartesian DOFs that describe the body within the Cartesian frame of reference, where all translational and directional variables are independently controlled, can be 6, while the number of joint DOFs is generally a design choice that takes into account the complexity of the mechanism and work specification. Is the result. Thus, the number of joint DOF may be greater than six, equal to six, or less than six. In the case of non-extra kinematic chains, the number of independently controlled joints is equal to the degree of mobility of the end actuator frame. For a certain number of prisms and revolution joint DOFs, the end actuator frame will have the same number of DOFs (single) in Cartesian space corresponding to the combination of translational (x / y / z position) and rotational (roll / pitch / yaw-direction angle) motions. Except when it is a configuration).

The distinction between input DOF and output DOF is extremely important in situations where kinematic chains (eg mechanical manipulators) are redundant or “incomplete”. In particular, "incomplete" manipulators have less than six independently controlled joints and thus do not have the ability to sufficiently control the end actuator position and orientation. Instead, incomplete manipulators are limited to controlling only a subgroup of position and direction variables. On the other hand, the redundant manipulator has a joint DOF of more than six. Thus, the redundant manipulator can use more than one joint configuration to establish the desired 6-DOF end actuator posture. In other words, additional degrees of freedom can be used to control the position and orientation of the end actuator as well as the "shape" of the manipulator itself. In addition to kinematic degrees of freedom, the mechanism may have other DOF, such as the gripping jaw or pivoting lever movement of the scissors blade.

Remote robotic surgery through remote control can reduce the size and number of incisions required for surgery, thereby improving patient recovery and also helping to reduce patient trauma and discomfort. However, telerobot surgery also created many new challenges. Robotic manipulators adjacent to the patient sometimes make it difficult for the patient-side step to access the patient, especially for robots designed for single-entry surgery. For example, surgeons typically use a large number of different surgical instruments / tools during the surgical procedure, with easy manipulators and single inlet accessibility and easy instrument exchange being highly desirable.

Another challenge arises from the fact that some of the electromechanical surgical manipulators are located adjacent to the surgical site. Thus, surgical manipulators may be contaminated during surgery and are typically discarded or sterilized between operations. In terms of cost, it would be desirable to sterilize the device. However, the servo motors, sensors, encoders, and electrical connections required to robot control the motor typically use conventional methods such as steam, heat and pressure, or chemicals because these system components can be damaged or broken during the sterilization process. It cannot be sterilized using.

A sterile drape to cover the surgical manipulator is already in use, which has already included a hole that is the passage through which the adapter (eg, wrist unit adapter or cannula adapter) enters the sterilization site. However, this disadvantageously requires detachment and sterilization of the adapter after each procedure, and is also likely to be contaminated through the holes in the drape.

In addition, in current sterile drape designs for multi-arm surgical robotic systems, each individual arm of the system is covered with a drape, but this design is especially true for single inlet systems, especially when all instrument actuators are moved together by a single slave manipulator. Not applicable

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved telerobot system, apparatus, and method for remotely controlling surgical instruments at the surgical site of a patient. In particular, these systems, devices, and methods should be configured to minimize the need for sterilization to improve cost effectiveness while protecting the system and surgical patients. In addition, these systems, devices, and methods should be designed to minimize instrument change time and difficulty during the surgical procedure while providing an accurate interface between the instrument and the manipulator. In addition, these systems and devices should provide an improved range of motion while minimizing the shape factor to make much use of the space around the entrance for surgical steps. In addition, these systems, devices, and methods should be able to organize, support, and effectively operate multiple instruments through a single inlet while reducing collisions of instruments and other devices.

The present disclosure provides improved surgical systems, apparatus, and methods for telerobot surgery. According to one aspect, the system, apparatus, and method provide, as an accurate and reliable interface, at least one teleoperated surgical instrument at the distal end of the drape-covered instrument manipulator and manipulator arm, and also facilitates easy instrument exchange and enhanced instrument manipulation. Each surgical instrument operates independently of one another, each having an end effector with at least six actively controlled degrees of freedom within the Cartesian space (ie, surge, heave, sway, roll, pitch, yaw).

In one embodiment, the instrument manipulator includes a plurality of independent mover drive modules, each of the plurality of mover drive modules including a mover output, each of the mover outputs being without input of force from another mover output. And independently activate the corresponding mover input of the surgical instrument. The instrument manipulator also includes a frame to receive a plurality of independent mover drive modules, the frame including a distal end, from which the movable unit output protrudes distal to engage the corresponding movable input of the surgical instrument. All.

In another embodiment, the robotic surgical system includes a setup link for positioning a remote operating center of the robotic surgical system, a proximal link operably connected to the setup link, a distal link operably connected to the proximal link, and a distal link of the distal link. A plurality of instrument manipulators described above operably connected to a rotatable element. The system also includes a plurality of surgical instruments, each instrument operatively connected to a corresponding instrument manipulator.

Those skilled in the art will be able to more fully understand the embodiments of the present disclosure and realize further advantages with reference to the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which will first be described briefly.

1A and 1B illustrate schematic diagrams of a patient side support assembly, respectively, in a telesurgical system with and without a sterile drape according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
2A is a schematic perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a telesurgical system equipped with a sterile drape and equipped with an instrument.
2B and 2C illustrate side and top views, respectively, of the telesurgical system of FIG. 2A with no sterile drape shown.
3 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a manipulator base platform, an instrument manipulator cluster, and a mounted instrument.
4A and 4B are perspective views of instrument operation in the extended and folded states, respectively, along the insertion axis.
5A-1 and 5B-1 illustrate the operation of a support hook for connecting the proximal face of the instrument delivery mechanism to the distal face of the instrument manipulator, and FIGS. 5A-2 and 5B-2 show FIGS. 5A-1 and 5B-1. Each cross section is illustrated.
5C-1 through 5C-4 illustrate different views of an instrument manipulator without an outer housing.
6A-6B illustrate different views of a grip module of an instrument manipulator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
7A illustrates a view of a gym ball drive module of an instrument manipulator in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
7B illustrates a view of a roll module of an instrument manipulator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
8 illustrates a view of a telescope insertion axis of an instrument manipulator in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
9A and 9B illustrate perspective views, respectively, of the proximal and distal portions of an instrument configured to be mounted to an instrument manipulator.
10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an instrument manipulator operatively connected to an instrument according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
11A-11B illustrate perspective views of portions of sterile drape in the folded and extended states, respectively, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
11C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rotating sterile drape portion mounted to the distal end of an manipulator arm that includes a base platform according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
11D illustrates an extended sterile drape according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
12 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of an extended sterile drape comprising a sterile adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
13A and 13B illustrate a perspective view and an exploded view of a sterile adapter, respectively, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
13C illustrates an enlarged view of a roll actuator interface according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
14A and 14B illustrate a bottom perspective view and a bottom view of an instrument manipulator in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
15 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an instrument manipulator operatively connected to a sterile adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
16A-16E illustrate a procedure for connecting an instrument manipulator and a sterile adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
17A-17C illustrate a procedure for connecting a surgical instrument to a sterile adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
18A and 18B illustrate enlarged perspective and side views, respectively, of the instrument and sterile adapter prior to engagement.
19A and 19B illustrate perspective views of movable cannula mounts, respectively, in folded and deployed positions.
20A and 20B illustrate front and rear perspective views of a cannula mounted on a cannula clamp according to one embodiment.
21 illustrates a perspective view of the cannula only.
22 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cannula of FIG. 21 and the mounted entry guide of FIGS. 23A and 23B in combination with an instrument mounted to an instrument manipulator on an manipulator platform according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
23A and 23B illustrate perspective and top views of the entry guide of FIG. 22.
24 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another cannula and another mounted entry guide in combination with an instrument mounted to an instrument manipulator on an manipulator platform according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
24A-24B illustrate perspective views of yet another movable cannula mounting arm in the folded position and deployed position, respectively.
24C illustrates the proximal upper compartment of a cannula according to another embodiment.
24D illustrates the cannula clamp at the distal end of the cannula mounting arm according to another embodiment.
25A-25C, 26A-26C, and 27A-27C illustrate different views of a surgical system with the instrument manipulator assembly roll axis or instrument insertion axis facing different directions.
28 is a schematic diagram of a centralized motion control system for a minimally invasive telesurgical system according to one embodiment.
29 is a schematic diagram of a distributed motion control system for a minimally invasive telesurgical system, according to one embodiment.
30A-30B illustrate different views of a counterweight link of a robotic surgical system according to one embodiment.
31 illustrates a view of a counterweight link without an outer housing according to one embodiment.
32A and 32B illustrate bottom perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of the distal portion of a counterweight link according to one embodiment.
33 illustrates a side view of a distal portion of an counterweight link without end plug, FIG. 34 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of an end plug straight guide, and FIG. 35 illustrates a perspective view of an adjustment pin in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. do.
36A-36C illustrate cross-sectional side views illustrating the operating range of an adjustment pin for moving an end plug relative to a straight guide in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.
37A-37C illustrate detailed views from distal ends of counterweight proximal links in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.
Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are best understood with respect to the following detailed description. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures. It should also be appreciated that the drawings may not necessarily be to scale.

The description and the accompanying drawings, which illustrate aspects and embodiments of the disclosure, should not be construed as limiting. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this description. In some instances, well known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the present disclosure. Like numbers in the two or more drawings represent the same or similar elements.

Also, the terms in this description do not limit the disclosure. For example, spatially relative terms such as "bottom", "bottom", "bottom", "top", "top", "proximal", "distal", and the like, may be referred to as elements that are different from one element or feature illustrated in the drawings. Or to describe the relationship of features. These spatially relative terms are intended to include other positions and orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the positions and orientations shown in the figures. For example, when the apparatus of the figure is inverted, elements described as "below" or "below" of another element or feature will be "above" or "above" of this other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can include both positions and directions of above and below. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other directions) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly. Likewise, descriptions of movements along and around the various axes include several spatial device positions and orientations. In addition, the singular forms “a” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “comprises” and the like specify the presence of the mentioned features, steps, acts, elements and / or components, but one or more other features, steps, acts, elements, components And / or does not exclude the presence or addition of groups. Components described as coupled may be directly coupled electrically or mechanically, or may be coupled indirectly through one or more intermediate components.

In one example, the term "proximal" or "proximal to" is closer to the manipulator arm base along the kinematic chain of system movement, or further away from the remote center of motion (or surgical site) along the kinematic chain of system movement. It is used in a general way to describe an object or element. Similarly, the term "distal" or "distally" refers further away from the manipulator arm base along the kinematic chain of system movement, or closer to the remote center of motion (or surgical site) along the kinematic chain of system movement. Used in a general way to describe an object or element.

It is well known to use the input of an operator at a master device to control a robot slave device to perform work at the work site. Such a system is called by several names, for example, a remote operation, a remote control or a remote robotic system. One type of teleoperational system is one that recognizes that the operator is present at the work site, such a system is called, for example, a telepresence system. The da Vinci® surgical system, commercially available from Intuitive Surgical, Inc. of Sunnyvale, California, is an example of a telepresence teleoperation system. Telepresence principles for such surgical systems are disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,574,355, filed March 21, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference. Teleoperated surgical systems (with or without telepresence features) may be referred to as teleoperated systems.

It should be understood that many features are common to many aspects and embodiments in order to avoid repetition with respect to the various aspects and exemplary embodiments in the following figures and description. Omission of any aspect from the description or the drawings does not mean that the aspect is omitted from the embodiment in which the aspect is incorporated. Instead, the aspects may be omitted for clarity and to avoid lengthy explanations. Thus, aspects described in connection with one depicted and / or described embodiment may be present with or apply to other depicted and / or described embodiments if not feasible.

Accordingly, some general aspects apply to the various descriptions that follow. Various surgical instruments, guide tubes and instrument assemblies are applicable to the present disclosure and are incorporated herein by reference, US Patent Application No. 11 / 762,165, filed June 13, 2007; US Patent Application Publication US 2008/0065105 A1 It is further explained in). The surgical instrument is applicable to the present disclosure alone or as an assembly comprising a guide tube, multiple instruments and / or multiple guide tubes. Thus, various surgical instruments may be used, each of which operates independently of each other, and each has an end actuator. In some examples, the end effector is actuated by at least six actively controlled DOFs (ie, surges, hives, sways, rolls, pitches, yaws) within the Cartesian space through a single entry port in the patient. One or more additional end actuator DOF may be applied to the jaw movement of the end actuator, for example in a gripping or shearing mechanism.

For example, at least one surgical end actuator is shown or described in various figures. End actuators are portions of minimally invasive surgical instruments or assemblies that perform particular surgical functions (eg, forceps / claws, needle drivers, scissors, electrocautery hooks, staplers, clip applicators / removals, etc.). Many end actuators themselves have a single DOF (eg open and closed tongs). The end actuator can be connected to a surgical instrument body having a mechanism that provides one or more additional DOF, such as a "list" type mechanism. Examples of such mechanisms are described in US Pat. No. 6,371,952 (filed June 28, 1999; Madhani et al.) And US Pat. No. 6,817,974 (filed June 28, 2002; Cooper et al. Intuitive Surgical, Inc., as shown in.) And used for 8 mm and 5 mm instruments in da Vinci® surgical systems. Known as the Endowrist® mechanism. The surgical instrument described herein generally includes an end actuator, but it should be understood that in some embodiments the end actuator may be omitted. For example, a blunt distal tip of the instrument body shaft can be used for retraction of tissue. As another example, suction or irrigation openings may be present at the distal tip of the body shaft or wrist mechanism. In these aspects, it should be understood that the description regarding the placement and orientation of the end actuator includes the placement and orientation of the tip of the surgical instrument without the end actuator. For example, the description dealing with the reference frame for the tip of the end actuator should be read to include the reference frame of the tip of the surgical instrument without the end actuator.

Throughout this description, the monocular or stereoscopic imaging system / image capture component / camera device may be located at the distal end of the instrument wherever the end actuator is shown or described (the device may be considered a “camera instrument”), Or may be located at or near the distal end of any guide tube or other instrument assembly element. Thus, the term “imaging system” and the like as used herein should be interpreted broadly to encompass both the image capture component and the combination of image capture component and associated circuitry and hardware within the context of the described aspects and embodiments. . Such endoscopy imaging systems (e.g., optical, infrared, ultrasonic, etc.) include systems having image sensing chips and associated circuitry located distally, which relay image data captured outside the body via a wireless or wired connection. do. Such endoscopy imaging systems also include systems that relay images for capturing outside the body (eg, by using rod lenses or optical fibers). In some instruments or instrument assemblies, a direct view optical system (viewing the endoscope image directly with the alternative lens) may be used. An example of a distal-side semiconductor stereoscopic imaging system is disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 614,661, filed December 2, 2006; discloses "stereoscopic"; Shafer et al. . Well known endoscope imaging system components, such as electrical and fiber optic light connections, are omitted or labeled for clarity. Illumination for an endoscope image is typically represented in the figure by a single illumination port. It is to be understood that these descriptions are examples. The size, location and number of lighting ports can vary. The lighting ports are typically arranged on various sides of the lens aperture, or completely surrounding the lens aperture, whereby deep shading can be minimized.

In this description, cannula is typically used to prevent surgical instruments or guide tubes from rubbing against patient tissue. Cannula can be used for both incisions and natural openings. The cannula may not be used in situations where the instrument or guide tube does not frequently translate or rotate about its insertion axis (vertical axis). In situations where blowing is necessary, the cannula may include a seal that prevents excess blowing gas from leaking past the instrument or guide tube. Examples of cannula assemblies that support procedures at the site of injection and the need for blowing gas are described in US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 705,439, filed Feb. 12, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; "Entry guide for multiple instruments in a single inlet system". Cannula seals may be omitted for chest surgery that does not require blowing, or the cannula itself may be omitted if the instrument or guide tube insertion axis movement is minimal. The rigid guide tube may function as a cannula for the instrument that is inserted relative to the guide tube in some configurations. The cannula and guide tube can be, for example, steel or extruded plastic. Plastics are less expensive than steel and may be suitable for single use.

Various examples and assemblies of flexible surgical instruments and guide tubes are shown and described in the above-cited US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 762,165. This flexibility is achieved in various ways in this description. For example, a section of the instrument or guide tube may be a flexible structure that is continuously curved, for example based on a spiral winding coil or on a tube (eg cuff type cuts) with several sections removed. It may be based. Alternatively, the flexible portion may consist of a series of short pivoted sections, which provide an approximate snake shape with a continuous curved structure. The instrument and guide tube structure may include those described in US Patent Application Publication US 2004/0138700 (filed December 2, 2003; Cooper et al.) Which is incorporated herein by reference. For clarity, the drawings and associated descriptions generally show only two sections of the instrument and the guide tube, which are proximal (closer to the delivery mechanism and farther from the surgical site) and distal (farther to the delivery mechanism and closer to the surgical site). Page). The instrument and guide tube may be divided into three or more sections, and it should be understood that each section is rigid, passive flexible, or active flexible. The stretching and warping described for the distal segment, the proximal segment, or the overall mechanism also applies to the intermediate segment omitted for clarity. For example, the intermediate section between the proximal and distal sections can be curved in a simple or complex curve. The flexible interval can be of various lengths. A section with a smaller outer diameter may have a smaller minimum radius of curvature and bend more than a section with a larger outer diameter. In cable-controlled systems, unacceptable high cable friction or binding limits the minimum radius of curvature and the overall bending angle during bending. The minimum bending radius of the guide tube (or of any joint) should not prevent or hinder the smooth movement of the internal surgical instrument mechanism. The flexible component can be up to about 4 feet long, about 0.6 inches in diameter, for example. For certain mechanisms, different lengths and diameters (eg, shorter, smaller) and degree of flexibility may be determined by the target anatomy to which the mechanism is designed.

In some instances, only the distal section of the instrument or guide tube is flexible and the proximal section is rigid. In another example, the entire section of the instrument or guide tube present in the patient's body is flexible. In another example, the most distal segment may be rigid, and one or more other proximal segments are flexible. The flexible intervals can be passive or can be actively controlled (“steerable”). Such active control can be done, for example, using opposing cable sets (eg, one set controls "pitch" and an orthogonal set controls "you"; similar use of three cables Action). Other control elements may be used, such as small electric or magnetic actuators, shape memory alloys, electroactive polymers (“artificial muscles”), pneumatic or hydraulic bellows or pistons, and the like. In the example where the section of the instrument or guide tube is located completely or partially in another guide tube, there may be various combinations of active and passive flexibility. For example, within the passive flexible guide tube, the active flexible mechanism may exert sufficient external force to stretch the surrounding guide tube. Similarly, an active flexible guide tube can stretch a passive flexible instrument therein. The active flexible section of the guide tube and the instrument can work cooperatively. In both cases where the instrument and guide tube are flexible and rigid, taking into account compliance in various designs, a control cable located further away from the central longitudinal axis may provide a mechanical advantage over cables located closer to the central longitudinal axis. .

The compliance (stiffness) of the flexible section can vary from a nearly fully relaxed state (with little internal friction) to a substantially rigid state. In some embodiments, compliance is controllable. For example, any or all of the flexible sections of the instrument or guide tube may be substantially (i.e., valid but not infinite) rigid (this section is "rigid" or "fixed"). The fixed section may be fixed in a straight line, simple curve or complex curve shape. The fixation can be achieved by applying tension to one or more cables extending longitudinally along the guide tube or a mechanism sufficient to frictionally prevent the movement of adjacent vertebral structures. The cable or cables can run through a large central hole in each spine, or through a small hole near the outer circumference of the spine. Alternatively, the drive elements of one or more motors that move one or more control cables are smoothly held in place (e.g., by servo control) to hold the cables in place to prevent instrument or guide tube movement, thereby reducing spinal structure. Can be locked in place. By keeping the motor drive element in place, other movable instruments and guide tube components can also be effectively held in place. It should be understood that the stiffness under servo control is valid but generally less than the stiffness that can be obtained using a brake located directly at the joint, for example a brake used to hold a passive setup joint in place. In general, cable stiffness is important because it is generally less than servo systems or braked joint stiffness.

In some situations, the compliance of the flexible interval may continue to change in the relaxed and stiff state. For example, if the fixed cable tension is increased, the rigidity can be increased without fixing the flexible section in the rigid state. This intermediate compliance may allow telesurgical operation while reducing tissue trauma that may occur due to movement caused by reactive forces from the surgical site. Suitable bending sensors integrated into the flexible section allow the telesurgical system to determine the position of the instrument and / or guide tube according to its bending state. US Patent Application Publication No. US 2006/0013523, filed Jul. 13, 2005; Childers et al., Incorporated herein by reference, discloses an optical fiber position shape sensing device and method. US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 491,384, filed Jul. 20, 2006; Larkin et al., Incorporated herein by reference, discloses optical fiber bending sensors (e.g., optical Bragg grating).

Physician input to control aspects of minimally invasive surgical instrument assemblies, instruments, end actuators, and manipulator arm configurations as described herein are generally made using an intuitive camera reference control interface. For example, the da Vinci® surgical system includes a physician console with such a control interface, which can be modified to control aspects described herein. The surgeon can control the dependent instrument assembly and the instrument by manipulating one or more manual input master mechanisms, for example, with a DOF of six. The input mechanism includes a finger operated forceps for controlling one or more end effector DOF (eg, closing the jaw of the forceps). Intuitive control is provided by orienting the relative position of the end actuator and the endoscope imaging system according to the position of the physician's input mechanism and the image output display. This orientation allows the surgeon to manipulate the input mechanism and end actuator controls as if they were actually viewing the surgical work site in practice. This teleoperational manifestation means that the doctor sees the image from the perspective that appears as if the operator is working directly at the surgical site. US Pat. No. 6,671,581, filed June 5, 2002; Niemeyer et al., Incorporated herein by reference, contains further information on camera reference control in minimally invasive surgical devices.

Single entrance surgical system

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a schematic side and front view illustrating an embodiment of a robot-assisted (remote manipulation) minimally invasive surgical system using aspects of the minimally invasive surgical instrument, instrument assembly, and manipulation and control system described herein. Shown. The three main components are the endoscopic imaging system 102, the physician console 104 (master) and the patient side support system 100 (dependent), as shown, by wire (electric or optical) or wireless connection 106. All are interconnected. One or more electronic data processing devices may be variously located in these main components, thereby providing system functionality. Examples are disclosed in US Patent Application No. 11 / 762,165, cited above. The sterile drape 1000 shown in dashed lines advantageously covers at least a portion of the patient side support system 100 to provide an effective and simple instrument exchange with an accurate interface between the instrument and its associated manipulator while maintaining the sterile site during the surgical procedure. do.

Imaging system 102 performs an image processing function on, for example, pre- or real-time image data from captured endoscopic image data of the surgical site and / or from another imaging system external to the patient. The imaging system 102 outputs the processed image data (eg, images of the surgical site as well as related control and patient information) to the doctor of the doctor console 104. In some aspects, the processed image data is output to an optional external monitor visible to other operating room personnel or to one or more places remote from the operating room (eg, a doctor at another location monitors the video). Directly available video can be used for training; etc.).

Pseudo console 104 includes, for example, multiple DOF mechanical input (“master”) devices that enable the surgeon to manipulate the surgical instruments, guide tubes, and imaging system (“dependent”) devices described herein. do. In some aspects, such an input device provides tactile feedback to the physician from the instrument and the instrument assembly component. The console 104 also includes a stereoscopic video output display positioned such that the image of the display is focused at a distance corresponding to the hand work of the physician, generally behind / below the display screen. These embodiments are more fully discussed in US Pat. No. 6,671,581, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Control during insertion can be achieved, for example, by the practitioner actually moving the image using one or both of the main devices. The surgeon uses the main unit to move the image side by side and pull the image towards him, steering it to a fixed center point on the output display in the imaging system and its associated instrument assembly (eg flexible guide tube). Instruct us to move in. In one aspect, the camera control is designed to provide the impression that the image moves in the same direction as the main device handle moves by being fixed to the image. This design ensures that the main unit is in the correct position, allowing the doctor to control the instrument even when camera control is not in effect, and consequently the main unit to clutch (disengage), move and reposition before starting or resuming instrument control. There is no need to release the clutch. In some aspects, the main device position can be determined in proportion to the insertion speed to avoid the use of a large main device workspace. Alternatively, the surgeon can use the ratchet action to insert by clutching and releasing the main device. In some aspects, insertion can be controlled manually (eg by hand operated wheels) and automated insertion (eg servomotor drive rollers) allows the distal end of the surgical instrument assembly to be near the surgical site. It is done when there is. Insertion may be assisted using pre-working or real-time image data (eg, MRI, X-rays) of space that may be used for the patient's anatomy and insertion trajectory.

The patient side support system 100 includes a floor-mounted base 108, or a ceiling-mounted base 110 as otherwise shown by an alternating line. The base may be movable or fixed (for example on a floor, ceiling, wall or other equipment such as operating table).

Base 108 supports arm assembly 101 that includes a passive uncontrolled "setup" portion and an actively controlled "operator" portion. In one example, the setup portion includes two passive rotating “setup” joints 116 and 120, which allow manual placement of connected setup links 118 and 122 when the joint brake is released. Passive prismatic setup joints (not shown) can be used between the arm assembly and the base connected to the link 114 to allow for larger vertical adjustments 112. Alternatively, some of these setup joints can be actively controlled, and more or less setup joints can be used in various configurations. Setup joints and links allow the robotic manipulator part of the arm to be placed in various positions and orientations within Cartesian x, y and z spaces. The remote motion center is where the yaw, pitch, and roll axes intersect (ie, where the joints move in their range of motion while the kinematic chain remains effectively stationary). As described in more detail below, some of these actively controlled joints relate to controlling the DOF of individual surgical instruments, and the rest of these actively controlled joints relate to controlling the DOF of a single assembly of these robotic manipulators. do. The active joints and links can be moved by a motor or other mover and receive a motion control signal associated with the movement of the main device arm at the pseudo console 104.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the manipulator assembly yaw joint 124 is connected between the distal end of the setup link 122 and the proximal end of the first manipulator link 126. The yaw joint 124 allows the link 126 to move relative to the link 122 in an operation that can be arbitrarily defined as a “yo” around the manipulator assembly yaw axis 123. As shown, the axis of rotation of the yaw joint 124 is aligned with the teleoperation center 146, which is generally the position at which the instrument (not shown) enters the patient (eg, navel in abdominal surgery). In one embodiment, the setup link 122 is rotatable horizontally or along the x, y plane, and the yaw joint 124 is configured to allow the first manipulator link 126 to rotate about the yaw axis 123. Whereby the setup link 122, the yaw joint 124, and the first manipulator link 126 are constant vertical yaw with respect to the robotic arm assembly as illustrated by the vertical dashed line from the yaw joint 124 to the center of remote operation 146. It provides an axis 123.

The distal end of the first manipulator link 126 is connected to the proximal end of the second manipulator link 130, the distal end of the second manipulator link 130 is connected to the proximal end of the third manipulator link 134, and the third manipulator link 134. The distal end of is connected to the proximal end of the fourth manipulator link 138, which connection is made by rotary joints 128, 132 and 136, which are actively controlled, respectively. In one embodiment, the links 130, 134 and 138 are linked together to act as a connected operating mechanism. Connected operating mechanisms are well known (for example, such mechanisms are known as parallel operating connections when the input and output link motions remain parallel to each other). For example, if the rotary joint 128 is actively rotated, the joints 132 and 136 also rotate so that the link 138 moves in a constant relationship with the link 130. Thus, it can be seen that the axes of rotation of the joints 128, 132, and 136 are parallel. When these axes are perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the joint 124, the links 130, 134 and 138 may be defined relative to the manipulator assembly pitch axis 139 as "pitch" relative to the link 126. Move. In one embodiment, the links 130, 134, and 138 move as a single assembly, so the first manipulator link 126 may be considered an active proximal manipulator link, and the second to fourth manipulator links 130, 134 and 138 may be considered collectively as an active distal manipulator link.

Manipulator assembly platform 140 is connected to the distal end of fourth manipulator link 138. Manipulator platform 140 includes a rotatable base plate that supports manipulator assembly 142 that includes two or more surgical instrument manipulators described in more detail below. The rotating base plate allows the manipulator assembly 142 to rotate as a single unit relative to the platform 140 in an operation that may optionally be defined as a "roll" around the manipulator assembly roll axis 141.

In the case of minimally invasive surgery, the instruments must remain substantially stationary with respect to the location where they enter the patient's body, whether incisions or natural openings, to avoid unnecessary tissue damage. Thus, the yaw and pitch motion of the instrument shaft should be centered in a single position on the manipulator assembly roll axis or instrument insertion axis that remains relatively stationary in space. This position is called remote operation center. In the case of a single inlet minimally invasive surgery in which the instruments must be entered through a small incision (eg in the navel) or through a natural opening (including camera instruments), all instruments must be You should move around the center. Thus, the remote operating center for manipulator assembly 142 is defined by the intersection of manipulator assembly yaw axis 123 and manipulator assembly pitch axis 139. The configuration of the links 130, 134 and 138 and the joints 128, 132 and 136 allows the remote operation center 146 to be located at the distal side of the manipulator assembly 142 at a sufficient distance for the manipulator assembly to move freely with respect to the patient. Is located. It can be seen that the manipulator assembly roll axis 141 also intersects the remote operation center 146.

As described in more detail below, the surgical instrument is mounted on and actuated by each surgical instrument manipulator of the manipulator assembly 142. The instruments are removably mounted so that various instruments can be interchangeably mounted on a particular instrument manipulator. In an aspect, one or more instrument manipulators can be configured to support and operate a particular type of instrument, such as a camera instrument. The shaft of the instrument extends distal from the instrument manipulator. The shafts extend into the patient's body through a common cannula located at the entrance (eg, through the body wall or at the natural opening). In one aspect, the entry guide is located in the cannula and each instrument shaft extends through the channel of the entry guide to provide additional support for the instrument shaft. The cannula is removably connected to cannula mount 150, which in one embodiment is connected to the proximal end of fourth manipulator link 138. In one embodiment, the cannula mount 150 is connected to the link 138 by a rotary joint, which allows the mount to move between the inserted position adjacent the link 138 and the operating position of holding the cannula in the correct position. This places the remote center of motion 146 along the cannula. According to one aspect, the cannula mount is fixed in place with respect to the link 138 during operation. The instrument (s) can slide through the entry guide and cannula assembly mounted to the distal end of cannula mount 150, examples of which are described in more detail below. Various passive setup joints / links and active joints / links allow the instrument manipulator to move over a large range of motion by placing the instrument manipulator when the patient is in various positions on the operating table. In some embodiments, the cannula mount can be connected to the proximal link or the first manipulator link 126.

Certain setups and active joints and links in the manipulator arm may be omitted to reduce the size and shape of the robot, or joints and links may be added to increase the degree of freedom. It should be understood that the manipulator arm may include various combinations of links, passive joints and active joints to achieve the required posture range for surgery (extra DOF may be provided). In addition, various surgical instruments may be alone or in an assembly of instruments comprising a guide tube, multiple instruments and / or multiple guide tubes, and various configurations (eg, on the proximal or distal surface of an instrument delivery means or instrument manipulator). An instrument coupled to an instrument manipulator (eg, a mover assembly) may be applied to aspects of the present disclosure.

2A-2C are schematic perspective, side and top views, respectively, of a patient side support cart 200 of a teleoperated surgery (remote surgery) system. The cart 200 depicted is an exemplary embodiment of the general configuration described above in connection with FIGS. 1A and 1B. Pseudo consoles and video systems are not shown, but may be applied as described above in connection with FIGS. 1A and 1B and known remote robotic surgical system structures (eg, da Vinci® surgical system structures). In this embodiment, the cart 200 includes a floor-mounted base 208. The base may be movable or fixed (eg on a floor, ceiling, wall or other sufficiently rigid structure). The base 208 supports the support column 210, and the arm assembly 201 is connected to the support column 210. The arm assembly includes two passive rotary setup joints 216 and 220, which allow manual placement of the connected setup links 218 and 222 when the brake is released. In the depicted embodiment, the setup links 218 and 222 move in a horizontal plane (parallel to the bottom). The arm assembly is connected to the support pillar 210 at a passive sliding setup joint 215 between the pillar 210 and the vertical setup link 214. Joint 215 allows the manipulator arm to be adjusted vertically (perpendicular to the floor). Thus, passive setup joints and links can be used to properly position the telecenter of movement 246 relative to the patient. Once the remote operating center 246 is properly positioned, brakes are set at each joint 215, 216, and 220 to prevent the setup portion of the arm from moving.

In addition, the arm assembly includes manipulator arm configurations and active joints and links for movement, instrument manipulation, and instrument insertion. The proximal end of the first manipulator link 226 is connected to the distal end of the setup link 222 via a actively controlled rotary manipulator assembly yaw joint 224. As shown, the rotary manipulator assembly yaw axis 223 of the yaw joint 224 is aligned with the remote operating center 246 as illustrated by the vertical dashed line from the yaw joint 224 to the remote operating center 246.

The distal end of the first manipulator link 226 is connected with the proximal end of the second manipulator link 230, the distal end of the second manipulator link 230 is connected with the proximal end of the third manipulator link 234, and the third manipulator link The distal end of 234 is connected with the proximal end of the fourth manipulator link 238, which connection is made by rotary joints 228, 232 and 236, which are actively controlled, respectively. As described above, the links 230, 234 and 238 function as connected operating mechanisms, whereby the fourth manipulator link 238 automatically cooperates with the second manipulator link 230 when the link 230 is activated. Move. In the depicted embodiment, a mechanism similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 7,594,912 (filed Sep. 30, 2004) is modified for use (also, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 611,849 (12, 2006). Filed May 15; see US Patent Application Publication US 2007/0089557 A1). Thus, the first manipulator link 226 may be considered to be an active proximal link, and the second to fourth links 230, 234 and 238 may be considered to be active distal links in aggregate. In one embodiment, the first link 226 may comprise a compression spring counterweight mechanism, which serves to balance the forces due to the movement of the distal link about the joint 228 as described further below. do.

Manipulator assembly platform 240 is connected to the distal end of fourth link 238. Platform 240 includes a base plate 240a on which instrument manipulator assembly 242 is mounted. As shown in FIG. 2A, platform 240 includes a “halo” ring, in which disk-shaped base place 240a rotates. In other embodiments other configurations than halo and disk may be used. The center of rotation of the base plate 240 coincides with the manipulator assembly roll axis 241 as indicated by the dashed line extending through the center of the manipulator platform 240 and the remote operating center 246. In one embodiment, instrument 260 is mounted to the instrument manipulator of manipulator assembly 242 over the distal face of the instrument manipulator.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, instrument manipulator assembly 242 includes four instrument manipulators 242a. Each instrument manipulator supports and starts its associated instrument. In the depicted embodiment, one instrument manipulator 242a is configured to operate a camera instrument and three instrument manipulators 242a are various other interchangeable surgical instruments that perform surgical and / or diagnostic tasks at the surgical site. It is configured to operate. Instrument manipulators can be used more or less. In some operating configurations, one or more manipulators may have no associated surgical instruments briefly or throughout the course of the surgical procedure. Instrument manipulators are disclosed in more detail below.

As mentioned above, surgical instrument 260 is mounted to each instrument manipulator 242a and is operated by the manipulator. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, each instrument is mounted only at its proximal manipulator at its proximal end. It can be seen in FIG. 2A that this proximal end mounting feature holds the instrument manipulator assembly 242 and supports the platform 240 as far as possible from the patient, which indicates that the actively controlled portion of the manipulator arm in the given instrument geometry is affected by the patient. Allows the patient to move freely within the maximum range of motion without hitting the. The instrument 260 is mounted such that their shafts cluster around the manipulator assembly roll axis 241. Each shaft extends distal from the force transmission mechanism of the instrument and all shafts extend into the patient's body through a single cannula located at the inlet. The cannula is detachably held in a fixed position relative to the base plate 240a by a cannula mount 250 connected to the fourth manipulator link 238. A single guide tube is inserted into the cannula and freely rotates therein, with each instrument shaft extending through the associated channel in the guide tube. The longitudinal axis of the cannula and guide tube generally coincides with the roll axis 241. Thus, the guide tube rotates in the cannula as the base plate 240a rotates. In some embodiments, the cannula mount can be movably connected to the first manipulator link 226.

Each instrument manipulator 242a is operably connected to an active telescoping insertion mechanism 224 (FIG. 2B) operably connected to the base plate 240a, which may be used to insert or withdraw surgical instrument (s). . 2A illustrates instrument manipulator 242a extending a distance toward the distal end of telescoping insertion mechanism 224 (see also FIGS. 3 and 4A), and FIG. 2B is a proximal end of telescoping insertion mechanism 244. The instrument manipulator 242 retracted toward the side is illustrated (see also FIG. 4B). The active joints 224, 228, 232, 236 and the manipulator platform 240 move together and / or independently, thereby allowing the surgical instrument (or assembly) to enter the entrance after the remote setup center has been established by the passive setup arm and joint. In the patient's navel, for example, moves around the center of distant motion 246.

As shown in FIG. 2A, cannula mount 250 is connected with the fourth link near the proximal end of the fourth manipulator link. In another aspect, the cannula mount 250 can be connected with other sections of the proximal link. As described above, the cannula mount 250 forms a hinge whereby it can move back and forth between the inserted position adjacent the fourth link 238 and an extended position (as shown) capable of supporting the cannula. According to one aspect, the cannula mount 250 is held in a fixed position relative to the fourth link 238 during operation.

It can be seen that the first manipulator link 226 is inverted " L " shape generally as an example in the depicted embodiment. The proximal leg of the “L” shaped link is connected to the link 226 at the yaw joint 224, and the distal leg of the link is connected to the second manipulator link 238 at the rotary joint 228. In this exemplary embodiment, the two legs are generally vertical and the proximal leg of the first manipulator link rotates around a plane that is generally perpendicular to the manipulator assembly yaw axis 223 (eg, the yaw axis is Horizontal (x, y) plane for vertical (z). Thus, the distal leg extends generally parallel to manipulator assembly yaw axis 223 (eg, vertically (z) if the yaw axis is horizontal). This shape allows manipulator links 230, 234, and 238 to move below yaw axis 224, whereby links 230, 234, and 238 intersect manipulator assembly pitch axes 239 to intersect remote operation center 246. ). Other configurations of the first link 226 are also possible. For example, the proximal and distal legs of the first link 226 may not be perpendicular to each other, the proximal leg may rotate in a plane different from the horizontal plane, or the link 226 may be shaped like an arc. It may have a shape other than the general "L" shape.

It can be seen that the vertical yaw axis 223 allows the link 226 to rotate substantially 360 degrees, as shown by the dashed line 249 (FIG. 2C). In one example, the yaw rotation of the manipulator assembly can be continuous, and in another example the yaw rotation of the manipulator assembly is approximately +180 degrees. In yet another example, the manipulator assembly yaw rotation can be approximately 660 degrees. Pitch axis 239 may or may not remain constant during this yaw axis rotation. Since the instruments are generally inserted into the patient in a direction aligned with the roll axis 241 of the manipulator assembly, the arms can be actively controlled to position and reposition the instrument insertion direction in any desired direction around the manipulator assembly yaw axis (eg See, for example, FIGS. 25A-25C showing the direction of instrument insertion towards the patient's head and FIGS. 26A-26C showing the direction of instrument insertion towards the patient's foot). This ability can be quite beneficial in some surgeries. In certain abdominal surgeries where the instrument is inserted through a single inlet positioned in the navel, for example, the instruments may be positioned to access all four quadrants of the abdomen without having to open a new inlet on the patient's body wall. Multiple quadrant access may be required, for example, when accessing lymph nodes through the abdomen. On the other hand, the use of a multi-entry telerobot surgical system may require the creation of additional inlets in the patient's body wall to gain more access to other abdominal quadrants.

In addition, the manipulator may instruct the instrument to face down vertically in a slightly upward pitched configuration (see, for example, FIGS. 27A-27C showing the instrument insertion direction pitched upward). As such, the angle of entry of the instrument (both yaw and pitch about the remote center) through the single entry port can be easily manipulated, and also changed while increasing the space around the entry port to allow for better patient safety and better handling of the patient side. Can be.

In addition, the links 230, 234 and 238 are used with the joints 228, 232 and 236, thereby making it easy to manipulate the entry pitch angle of the mechanism passing through the single inlet while creating a space around the single inlet. For example, links 230, 234, and 238 can be positioned to have a shape element that “draws an arc” from the patient. This dropped arc allows rotation of the manipulator arm about the yaw axis 223 and does not cause the manipulator arm to collide with the patient. In addition, these dropped arcs allow patient personnel to easily access the manipulators when changing instruments, and also facilitate entry access for insertion and operation of manual instruments (eg, manual laparoscopic instruments or retraction devices). In another example, the fourth link 238 has a telecentric element and thus a shape element that arcs away from the patient, thereby increasing patient safety. In other terms, the operational envelope of the cluster of instrument manipulator 242a is approximately conical, with the tip of the cone positioned at the remote center of motion 246 of the instrument manipulator 242a, and the circular end of the cone positioned at the proximal end. This actuating envelope reduces the interference between the patient and the surgical robotic system, increases the operating range of the system to improve access to the surgical site, and improves patient access to the surgical steps.

Thus, the construction and geometry of the manipulator arm assembly 201 allows multiple quadrant surgery through a single inlet with its large range of operation. A single incision allows the manipulator to send the instrument in one direction and easily change its orientation, for example by working on the patient's head or pelvis (see for example FIGS. 25A-25C) and then manipulating the manipulator arm in a constant vertical position. By moving around the yaw axis, the direction can be changed toward the patient's pelvis or head (see, eg, FIGS. 26A-26C).

This exemplary manipulator arm assembly is used, for example, in an instrument assembly that is operated to move with reference to a remote operation center. Certain setups and active joints and links in the manipulator arm may be omitted, or joints and links may be added to increase the degree of freedom. It is to be understood that the manipulator arm may include various combinations of links, passive joints and active joints (extra DOF may be provided) to achieve the posture range required for surgery. In addition, various surgical instruments may be used alone or in an instrument assembly comprising a guide tube, multiple instruments, and / or multiple guide tubes, and various configurations (eg, proximal or distal surfaces of a mover assembly or delivery mechanism). And may be applied to the present disclosure as instruments connected to an instrument manipulator.

3, 4a-4b, 5a-1 to 5b-2, 5c-1 to 5c-4, and 8, aspects and embodiments of the instrument manipulator are now described in more detail, but are seen in these aspects and embodiments. The disclosure is not limited. 3 shows a rotatable base plate 340a of the manipulator assembly platform, a cluster of four instrument manipulators 342 mounted to the base plate 340a to form an instrument manipulator assembly, and a distal face of the associated instrument manipulator 342. A perspective view of an embodiment of four instruments 360 (proximal portions are illustrated) each mounted. Base plate 340a may rotate about manipulator assembly roll axis 341 as described above. In one embodiment, the roll axis 341 runs through the longitudinal center of the cannula and entry guide assembly through which the instrument 360 enters the patient's body. The roll axis 341 is also substantially perpendicular to a substantially single plane of the distal face of each instrument manipulator 342, and consequently substantially perpendicular to a substantially single plane of the proximal face of the instrument mounted to the distal face of the instrument manipulator. to be.

Each instrument manipulator 342 includes an insertion mechanism connected to the base plate 340a. 8 is a cutaway perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the instrument insertion mechanism in more detail. As shown in FIG. 8, the instrument insertion mechanism 844 includes three links that linearly slide relative to one another in a telescoping manner. Insertion mechanism 844 includes carriage 802, carriage link 804, and base link 808. As described in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 613,800, filed Dec. 20, 2006; U.S. patent application publication US 2007/0137371 A1, the carriage link 804 is a base link 808; Slide along, and carriage 802 slides along carriage link 804. The carriage 802 and the links 804, 808 are interconnected by a coupling loop 806 (which in one example includes one or more flexible metal belts; or alternatively one or more cables may be used). The lead screw 808a of the base link 808 drives the slider 808b connected to a fixed position on the coupling loop 806. The carriage 802 is also connected to the coupling loop 806 in a fixed position, whereby the carriage 802 moves the base link 808 as the slider 808b slides a specific distance x relative to the base link 808. Slide 2x based on). Various other linear actuation mechanisms (eg, lead screws and carriages) may also be used in other embodiments of the insertion mechanism.

3 and 8, the proximal end of the base link 808 is connected to the rotatable base plate 340a and the carriage 802 is connected to the outer shell or inner frame of the instrument manipulator 342 (eg For example, in the inner frame aperture 542i 'of FIGS. 5C-1 through 5C-3). A servomotor (not shown) drives the lead screw 808a so that the instrument manipulator 342 is moved proximally and distally relative to the base plate 340a in a direction generally parallel to the roll axis 341. Since surgical instrument 360 is coupled to manipulator 342, insertion mechanism 344 functions to insert the instrument towards the surgical site through the cannula and to pull it away from the surgical site (instrument insertion DOF). A flat, electrically conductive flexible cable (not shown) running adjacent to the coupling loop can provide power, signal, and ground to the instrument manipulator.

The advantage of the telescoping feature of the insertion mechanism 344 can be seen that it provides a greater range of motion when the instrument manipulator moves from its fully proximal position to its fully distal position, with the manipulator in its fully proximal position When in the position, the insertion mechanism protrudes less than if only one stationary insertion step piece was used (see, for example, FIGS. 4A (completely distal position) and 4B (completely proximal position)). The shortened protrusion prevents the insertion mechanism from disturbing the patient during surgery and, for example, operating room personnel during instrument change when the instrument manipulator is in its proximal position.

As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the telescoping insertion mechanism 344 is symmetrically mounted to the rotatable base plate 340a in one embodiment, such that the instrument manipulator 342 and the mounted instrument 360 are roll axis 341. ) To form a symmetric cluster. In one embodiment, the instrument manipulator 342 and its associated instrument 360 are generally disposed around the roll axis in a pie-wedge layout and the instrument shaft is located near the manipulator assembly roll axis 341. Thus, as the base plate rotates about the roll axis 341, the cluster of instrument manipulator 342 and the mounted instrument 360 also rotates about the roll axis.

4A and 4B are perspective views illustrating instrument manipulator 442 in extended and retracted positions along insertion mechanism 444 mounted to rotatable base plate 440a, respectively. As noted above, the instrument manipulator 442 is along the longitudinal axis of the insertion mechanism 444 between the free mechanism 444a and the base plate 440a of the insertion mechanism as shown by the double arrows adjacent to the insertion mechanism 444. Can be extended and retracted. In this exemplary embodiment, the instrument is mounted relative to the distal surface 442a of the instrument manipulator 442.

Distal face 442a includes various movable outputs that transmit movable force to the mounted instrument. As shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, this movable output includes a grip output lever 442b (control the grip movement of the instrument end actuator), a joggle output gym ball 442c (parallel parallel connection ("jog" or "elbow" mechanism)). Side to side motion and up and down motion control), list output gym ball 442d (yaw motion and pitch motion control of the instrument end actuator), and roll output disk 442e (roll motion control of the instrument) have. Details of these outputs and the associated components of the mechanism force transmission mechanism that accommodates such outputs are described in US Patent Application 12 / 060,104, filed March 31, 2008; US Patent Application Publication US 2009/0248040 A1). Examples of near-end portions of exemplary surgical instruments that can accept such inputs can be found in US Patent Application Ser. No. 11 / 762,165, referenced above. In short, the side to side and up and down DOF are provided by distal parallel connection, the end actuator yaw and the end actuator pitch DOF are provided by the distal flexible wrist mechanism, and the instrument roll DOF is essentially constant By rolling the instrument shaft while maintaining in position and pitch / yaw direction, the instrument grip DOF is provided by two moving opposing end actuator jaws. This DOF is an example of more or less DOF (eg, in some embodiments the camera mechanism omits the instrument roll and grip DOF).

A support, such as support hook 442f, is positioned on the instrument manipulator to facilitate mounting of the instrument on the distal face of the instrument manipulator. In the depicted embodiment, the support hook is stationary relative to the main housing of the instrument manipulator and the distal surface of the instrument manipulator moves proximally and distally to provide a firm interconnect between the instrument manipulator and the instrument. Latch mechanism 442a is used to move the distal surface of the instrument manipulator toward the proximal surface of the instrument. In another embodiment, the latch mechanism can be used to move the proximal surface of the instrument toward the distal surface of the manipulator, which can engage or disengage the manipulator output and the instrument input.

5A-1 and 5B-1 are perspective views illustrating exemplary structures of instrument manipulator 542. 5A-2 and 5B-2 are cross-sectional views of FIGS. 5A-1 and 5B-1 along cut lines I-I and II-II, respectively. As shown, the manipulator includes an inner frame 542i movably connected to the outer cell 542h, for example by sliding joints, rails and the like. The inner frame 542i moves distally and proximally relative to the outer cell 542h as a result of the action of the latch mechanism 542g.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-1-5B-2, the operation of the support hook 542f and latch mechanism 542g for mounting an instrument (not shown) to the instrument manipulator 542 is illustrated. As shown, the distal face 542a of the instrument manipulator 542 is substantially single plane, which is operably connected to the proximal face of the instrument force transfer mechanism (eg, instrument 960 in FIGS. 9A-9B). Proximal face (960 '). The latch mechanism 542g may include movable mechanisms such as pulleys and wires, which may move the inner frame and the outer cell of the instrument organizer relative to each other and hold the distal surface 542a against the instrument during operation. Can be.

In the depicted embodiment, the instrument support hook 542f is securely mounted to the instrument manipulator outer cell 542h and the distal surface 542a of the inner frame 542i of the instrument manipulator is instrumented when the latch mechanism 542g is actuated. Move away from the proximal surface 542j of the outer cell of the manipulator toward the distal end of the support hook 542f. Thus, when the instrument force transmission mechanism is mounted to the support hook 542f, the distal surface 542a of the instrument manipulator moves toward the proximal surface of the instrument transmission mechanism that is constrained by the support hook 542f, thereby reducing FIGS. The instrument manipulator output and the instrument force transmission input are engaged or operatively interfaced as illustrated by arrow A1 in 1 and 5a-2. As exemplified by this embodiment, the actuator output of the manipulator is pressed against the proximal instrument side to form an interface to transmit instrument actuator signals to the instrument. When the latch 542g is actuated in the reverse direction, the primary surface 542a of the instrument manipulator moves toward the proximal surface 542j of the instrument manipulator (ie, away from the distal end of the stationary support hook 542f), thereby The engagement of the instrument manipulator output with the instrument input is released as illustrated by arrow A2 in FIGS. 5B-1 and 5B-2. An advantage of the depicted embodiment is that when the latch mechanism is activated the mover portion of the instrument manipulator moves relative to a stationary instrument fixed in space on the support hook. Movement of the instrument manipulator move toward or away from the instrument minimizes unnecessary or unintentional instrument operation during the latch or unlatch process. Thus, possible tissue damage is prevented because the distal end of the instrument may still be in the patient's body since the instrument does not move relative to the patient during the instrument mounting process.

In another embodiment, the support hook 542f is retracted toward the proximal surface 542j to move the proximal surface of the instrument toward the distal surface 542a of the stationary instrument manipulator, arrow B1 in FIGS. 5A-1 and 5A-2. Engage the instrument manipulator output with the instrument input as shown. When the latch is opened or reversed, this process is reversed so that the support hook 542f is away from the distal face 542a of the stationary instrument manipulator and the instrument manipulator output as illustrated by arrow B2 in FIGS. 5B-1 and 5B-2. And the input of the instrument are released.

5C-1 through 5C-4 illustrate different views of instrument manipulator 542 without external cell 542h, thereby revealing independent drive modules for actuating the instrument manipulator output. The drive module is mounted in module form in the inner frame 542i of the instrument manipulator, which moves along the drive module with respect to the outer cell 542h of the instrument manipulator and the support hook 542f. The internal frame of the instrument manipulator moves the set distance toward the instrument when the latch is closed, and the spring loaded module output engages the instrument input through a sterile drape, which is further described below. This process is reversed when the latch is opened. The spring loaded actuator drive module output provides a robust interface with the instrument force transmission mechanism input through the drape as described in more detail below.

As illustrated in the depicted embodiment, the instrument manipulator 542 includes a grip mover drive module 542b 'for operating the grip output lever 542b and a jog mover drive module for operating the jog output gym ball 542c. 542c ', a list mover drive module 542d' for operating the list output gym ball 542d, and a roll mover drive module 542e 'for operating the roll output disk 542e. The outputs 542b, 542c, 542d and 542e project distally from the distal surface 542a of the instrument manipulator, for example as shown in Figs. And adapted to activate grip, pitch, yaw and roll end actuator movement.

6A-6B are top and bottom perspective views of grip actuator drive module 642b ′ of the instrument manipulator. The grip actuator drive module 642b ′ includes a straight slide 602, a drive spring mechanism 604 including a spring 606, and a grip drive output lever 642b. The drive spring mechanism 604 is connected to the inner frame 542i of the instrument manipulator. The latch 542g is actuated to move the inner frame as it engages the instrument and the grip drive module 642b 'moves along the linear slide 602 until the output lever 642b contacts the mating input on its instrument. . This contact preloads the spring 606, thereby loading the spring on the grip output 642b relative to the instrument input as the instrument is latched in place. The preloaded spring 606 next ensures that the appropriate actuator drive output / input contact is maintained during operation, so that no clearance occurs in the output / input contact, and precise kinematic control is difficult.

FIG. 7A is a view of a ball drive module 742c / d 'of an instrument manipulator that may be used to provide a jog output gym ball to control the XY translation of the jog mechanism of the instrument or a list output gym ball to control the pitch and yaw of the instrument end actuator. Bottom perspective view. In this embodiment, the ball drive module 742c / d 'includes a straight slide 702, a drive spring mechanism 704 including a spring 706 and a mover output load ball 742c / d on the ball ball pin 710. It includes. The drive spring mechanism 704 is connected to the inner frame 542i of the instrument manipulator. As the latch 542f is actuated and engaged with the instrument, the inner frame moves distally, and the actuator drive module 742c / d 'moves the linear slide until the output ball 742c / d contacts the mating input on the instrument. 702). This contact preloads the spring 706 to spring load the output gym ball 742c / d relative to the instrument input when the instrument is latched in place. As with the grip actuator drive module, the preloaded spring ensures that the appropriate actuator drive output / input contact is maintained during operation, which results in no clearance during output / input contact, making precise kinematic control difficult. The gym ball drive module 742c / d 'includes two "dog bone" links 712, two ball screws 714, two motors 716, two Hall effect sensors 718 and two rotary or straight lines. The apparatus further includes an operation encoder 720. The motor 716 drives the associated ball screw 714, which drives the dog bone link 712. The proximal end of the dog bone link 712 is connected to a straight slide 721, which moves along an axis parallel to the ball screw 714. The distal end of the dog bone line 712 is connected to the output gym ball 742c / d, which rotates about two orthogonal axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, respectively, via the gym ball pin 710. In one aspect, the ball of the drive module has two degrees of freedom, but no orthogonal axis.

7B is a bottom perspective view of the roll mover drive module 742e 'of the instrument manipulator which may be used to provide a roll output disk to control roll movement of the mounted instrument. In this embodiment, the roll mover drive module 742e 'includes a motor 734 that drives the harmonic drive 736, which in turn drives the super gear 740. Super gear 740 rotates roll output disk 742e, thus driving the roll input disk on the instrument. The encoder 732 is used to sense the position to rectify the motor 734. The absolute encoder 738 is connected to the roll output disk 742e and senses the absolute position of the instrument roll.

In one aspect, the system drive modules are operably independent and fully separated from each other so that large forces applied through one interface output are not transmitted to the other interface output. In other words, a large force through one interface output is not transmitted to the other interface output, thereby not affecting the instrument components driven by the other interface output. In one aspect, the drive module and its corresponding mover output are substantially free of unintended force inputs from the other drive module and / or its corresponding mover output. This feature improves instrument operation and consequently improves patient safety.

9A and 9B are perspective views of the proximal portion 960a and distal portion 960b of the instrument 960 configured for mounting to the instrument manipulator of FIGS. 4A-4B and 5A-1-5C-4, respectively. The proximal surface 960 'of the transfer mechanism of the instrument 960 includes the instrument grip input lever 962b interfaced with the grip output lever 542b, the instrument jog input gym ball 962c interfaced with the jog output gym ball 542c, and the list. The instrument list input gym ball 962d interfaced with the output gym ball 542d and the instrument roll input disk 962e interfaced with the roll output disc 542e. 9B illustrates an example of a distal end 960b of a flexible surgical instrument 960 that includes a wrist 964, a joggle mechanism 966, and an end actuator 968. In one embodiment, the proximal face 960 'of the delivery mechanism of the instrument 960 is a substantially single plane that is operatively interfaced with the distal surface of the instrument manipulator when the manipulator output and the instrument input are operatively engaged. US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 762,165, incorporated herein by reference, "Minimal Invasive Surgery System" (Larkin et al.) And US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 762,154, incorporated herein by reference, "Name of invention" Parallel Operation Mechanism Surgical Instruments ”(Cooper et al.) Discloses in more detail the applicable distal and proximal portions of surgical instruments, such as instrument 960.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the instrument 960 has a delivery portion at its proximal end, an elongated instrument body, one of various surgical end actuators 968, and an end actuator 968 and a jog mechanism 966. And a snake shaped two degree of freedom list mechanism 964 connecting the instrument body. As with the da Vinci® surgical system, in some embodiments the delivery portion includes a disk that interfaces with an electrically actuated device (eg, a servomotor) permanently mounted to the support arm, whereby the instrument can be easily exchanged. Other connections, such as mating gym plates and levers, can also be used to transmit moving force at the mechanical interface. Mechanical mechanisms (eg gears, levers, gym balls) of the transmission portion may be used to transfer the actuation force from the disk through one or more channels in the instrument body (which may include one or more articulated portions), and And / or a cable, wire, and hypotube combination to control the movement of wrist 964 and end actuator 970. In some aspects, one or more disks and associated mechanisms deliver a movable force that rolls the instrument body around its longitudinal axis. The main portion of the instrument body is a single tube that is substantially rigid and in some embodiments may be slightly elastic and flexible. This small availability allows the proximal body piece proximal portion of the guide tube (ie, outside the patient) to be slightly stretched, so that several instrument bodies of their length are positioned as if several cut flowers of the same length were placed in a narrow neck vase. Each delivery portion housing may be tighter in the guide tube than is acceptable. This stretching is minimal (eg less than about 5 degrees of bending angle in one embodiment) and does not cause significant friction because of the small bending angles of the control cable and hypotube within the instrument body. In other words, in one embodiment the instrument shaft may exit at the distal side of the force transmission mechanism at a slight angle instead of orthogonal to the distal or proximal surface of the force transmission mechanism. The instrument shaft may then be slightly curved to form a slight arc in the distal section of the instrument shaft exiting from the distal side of the force transmission mechanism while continuing to remain straight. As such, the instrument may have an instrument shaft having a proximal curve segment and a distal straight segment that are close to the guide tube. In one example, the instrument shaft can be pitched from about 0 degrees to about 5 degrees when exiting the force transmission mechanism from the distal side.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the instrument 960 includes a proximal body piece 968 (which extends through a guide tube in one example) and at least one distal body piece or jog mechanism 966 (in one example, a guide tube). Is located past the distal end of the device). For example, the instrument 960 may be a proximal body piece 968, a jog mechanism 966 connected to the proximal body piece 968 at the joint 967, and a wrist connected to the jog mechanism 966 at another joint 965. Mechanism 964 (this connection may comprise another short distal body piece), and an end actuator 970. In some aspects, the joggle mechanism 966 and joints 965 and 967 function as parallel motion mechanisms, the position of the reference frame at the distal end of the mechanism being at the proximal end of the mechanism without changing the direction of the distal reference frame. Can be changed for the reference frame. Details of applicable parallel motion or joggle mechanisms, including associated joints of applicable instruments, are further disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 762,165, which is incorporated herein by reference.

10 is a cross-sectional view of an instrument manipulator 542 operably connected to an instrument 960 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10, mover outputs 542b-542e on the distal surface of instrument manipulator 542 interface with mover inputs 962b-962e on the proximal surface of surgical instrument 960.

In order to facilitate surgery, the instrument end actuator is provided with 7 degrees of freedom (insertion of the instrument, grip, 2-DOF wrist articulation, 2-DOF joggle (list translation) and instrument roll), so the requirements for instrument operation accuracy are high. A high fidelity, low backlash interface is preferred between the instrument and the instrument manipulator. Independently actuated drive system modules (eg, modules 542b ', 542c', 542d 'and 542e') of the instrument manipulator are mounted to the surgical instrument through an incorrectly manufactured drape in which the various drive trains do not substantially include performance. It is allowed to be connected. Since the drive system modules are not connected to each other and are sufficiently separated from each other, the large force applied through one interface output is not transmitted to the other interface output. In other words, a large force through one interface output is not transmitted to another interface output, thereby not affecting the instrument components driven by the other interface output. In one aspect, the drive module and its corresponding mover output are substantially free of unintended forces resulting from the other drive module and / or its corresponding mover output. This feature improves instrument operation and consequently improves patient safety.

In one aspect, mating discs can be used for force transmission features and movable features as in the da Vinci® surgical system instrument interface. In another aspect, mating gymball plates and levers are used. Various mechanical components of the transfer mechanism (eg gears, levers, cables, pulleys, cable guides, gym balls, etc.) are used to transfer mechanical forces from the interface to the controlled elements. Each mover mechanism includes at least one mover (eg, a servomotor (brush or brushless)) that controls movement in the distal end of the associated instrument, for example, the mover is an end actuator grip of a surgical instrument. It can be an electric servomotor that controls the DOF The instrument (including the guide probes described herein) or the guide tube (or instrument assembly collectively) can be released and slide from the associated mover mechanism. It can be replaced by an instrument or a guide tube In addition to the mechanical interface, there is an electronic interface between each transfer mechanism and the actuator mechanism, which allows for the transfer of data (eg, instrument / guide tube type). Various instruments, guide tubes and imaging systems, and also sterilization to preserve sterilization sites Examples of drapes are disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 6,866,671 (filed Aug. 13, 2001; Tierney et al.) And 6,132,368 (filed Nov. 21, 1997; Cooper), which are all incorporated herein by reference. do.

Surgical instruments may be operated alone or in assemblies comprising guide tubes, multiple instruments and / or multiple guide tubes, and through various configurations (eg, on the proximal or distal surfaces of the instrument / mover assembly). It can be applied to the present disclosure as a mechanism connected to the device assembly. Thus, a variety of surgical instruments may be used, each operating instrument operating independently of each other, each of at least six within the Cartesian space (ie, surge, heave, sway, roll, pitch, yaw) through a single entry port of the patient. It has an end effector with actively controlled DOF.

The instrument shafts forming the ends of these kinematic chains described above can be guided through cannula and / or entry guides for insertion into a patient, which is described further below. Applicable accessory clamps and accessories such as cannula are disclosed in pending US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 240,087 (September 30, 2005), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Sterile Drape

Embodiments of sterile drape will now be described in more detail. Referring again to FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2C, sterile drapes 1000 and 2000 cover portions of the arm assemblies 101 and 201, respectively, to shield non-sterile parts of the manipulator arm from the sterilization site, It is shown shielding its various parts from the material of the surgical procedure (eg, body fluids, etc.). In one embodiment, the sterile drape includes a drape pocket configured to receive an instrument manipulator of the instrument manipulator assembly. The drape pocket includes an outer surface adjacent to the sterilization site and an inner surface adjacent to the non-sterile instrument manipulator. The drape is the distal end of the drape pocket for the interface between the output of the instrument manipulator (eg, an interface that transmits motive force to the associated instrument) and the input of the surgical instrument (eg, an interface that accepts motive force from the associated instrument operator). A negative flexible membrane and a rotatable seal operably connected to the proximal opening of the drape pocket.

In another embodiment, the sterile drape includes a plurality of drape pockets, each drape pocket for an interface between the output of each instrument manipulator and the input of each surgical instrument that controls the list, roll, grip, and translation of the surgical instrument. The distal end includes a plurality of flexible membranes. A rotatable seal, such as a labyrinth seal, is operatively connected to the proximal opening of the drape pocket to allow all drape pockets to rotate together as a group about the more proximal portion of the drape. In one example, the first portion of the rotatable seal comprising a plurality of drape pockets is connected to the rotatable base plate of the manipulator assembly platform and the second portion of the rotatable seal is connected to the frame of the manipulator assembly platform.

In another embodiment, a method of draping a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system comprises first placing a distal end of a sterile drape in the distal end of an instrument manipulator, and then angling the distal pocket from the distal end of the instrument manipulator toward the near end of the instrument manipulator. Covering the instrument manipulator. The rotatable seal of the sterile drape is then connected to the rotatable base plate and frame of the manipulator assembly platform. Then, if desired, the drape may be covered in the remaining portions of the manipulator arm from the distal end of the manipulator arm toward the proximal end of the manipulator arm. In this example, the manipulator arm is drape from the instrument manipulator toward the yaw joint.

Advantageously, the construction and geometry of manipulator arms and instrument manipulators with sterile drape provide a large range of motion, such as multiple quadrant surgery (ie, surgical access from a single entry point to all patient quadrants), It allows for increased space around the patient and entry and increased patient safety, while at the same time providing a robust instrument / operator interface, easy instrument changeover and maintenance of sterile environment as described above.

Referring again to FIG. 10, the actuator output of instrument manipulator 542 is engaged with the actuator input of instrument 960 via sterile drape 1000 or 2000. As noted above, in one embodiment the internal frame of the instrument manipulator 542 moves a set distance towards the instrument 960 when the latch 542g is actuated, and the spring loaded module outputs 542b-542e are drape ( (1000 or 2000) with the instrument inputs (962b-962e). Independent mover drive modules 542b ', 542c', 542d 'and 542e' of instrument manipulator 542 provide mover outputs 542b, 542c, 542d and 542e, respectively, which are latch mechanisms as described above. When 542g is activated it engages with instrument inputs 962b, 962c, 962d and 962e, respectively, via a sterile drape.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11D in conjunction with FIG. 10, FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate a perspective view of the first drape portion 1100a of the sterile drape 1100 (FIG. 11D) in the retracted and extended states, respectively, 11C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the drape portion 1100a mounted to the distal end of the rotatable base plate 1140a of the manipulator platform according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The description of the sterile drape 1000 and 2000 can also be applied in connection with the sterile drape 1100. For example, sterile drape 1100 covers a portion of the manipulator arm assembly, particularly the instrument manipulator, to shield non-sterile parts of the manipulator arm from the sterilization site. Drape portion 1100a also includes a plurality of pockets 1105 (e.g., four wedge shaped drape pockets 1105a-1105d are shown), each pocket having a non-external surface configured to be adjacent to the sterilization site. A drape pocket 1105 has a plurality of flexes at the distal end 1101 of the drape pocket 1105 for an interface between the output of the instrument manipulator and the input of the surgical instrument, respectively. And a flexible membrane 1102. In one example, flexible membranes 1102b, 1102c, 1102d, and 1102e are instrument manipulator outputs 542b, 542c, 542d, 542e and instrument inputs 962b, 962c, 962d, 962e. Interfacing between each to control instrument grip, translation, wrist and roll operation of the surgical instrument A flexible membrane is a pocket extension 1106 to the telescoping insertion mechanism of each instrument manipulator (eg, insertion mechanism 444). ) And a mechanism actuator to translational along it.

In one aspect, the distal end of the pocket extension 1106 is adapted to the insertion mechanism such that the drape pocket extension 1106 moves with the insertion mechanism and is kept compact in distance from the patient to provide space and access to the surgical inlet. Attached. In one example, the distal end of the pocket extension 1106 may be attached to the carriage link 804 of the insertion mechanism 844 (FIG. 8) by any suitable attachment means such as clips, tabs, velcro strips, and the like.

The rotatable seal 1108 operatively connects the manipulator platform of the manipulator arm assembly with the proximal opening 1103 of the drape pocket 1105. In one example, the rotatable seal 1108 includes a rotatable labyrinth seal having a roll cover portion 1108a and a base comb portion 1108b that can rotate therein within the roll cover portion 1108a. In one embodiment, the base comb portion 1108b includes a disk having a lip 1104 that defines a plurality of wedge shaped “frames” with holes, each frame sized to enclose the instrument manipulator. In one embodiment, the base comb portion 1108b includes a lip 1104 formed 90 degrees apart in the disk. The proximal end of the drape pocket 1105 is connected to each frame of the base comb portion 1108b. Thus, the base comb portion 1108b with lip assists in covering the drape to individual instrument manipulators that form a tight cluster on the rotatable base plate of the instrument manipulator, and furthermore, the drape covered instrument manipulator may be moved during the surgical procedure. It also helps to maintain the orientation and placement of the drape pocket 1105.

The roll cover portion 1108a is fixedly mounted to the frame of the manipulator platform, and the base comb portion 1108b is fixedly mounted to the rotatable base plate 1140a, whereby the base comb portion 1108b is rotated when the base plate 1140a rotates. ) Also rotates with the drape covered instrument manipulator, where roll cover portion 1108a is stationary mounted to the manipulator platform frame.

11A and 11B illustrate the drape pocket 1105 in the retracted and extended states, respectively, when the instrument manipulator is retracted and extended along its respective insertion axis. Although the four drape pockets 1105 are shown to be equally retracted and extended, the drape pockets can be independently retracted and extended because the instrument manipulators are controlled independently and / or dependent on each other.

It should also be noted that the base comb portion 1108b may include a number of ribs oriented at an angle other than 90 degrees provided that space is provided through each frame of the base comb portion for mounting the instrument manipulator. In one example, the base comb portion 1108b may consist of ribs that divide the circular area into a number of sections, each sized to enclose an instrument manipulator.

In addition, the sterile drape 1100 allows the transfer of the drape covered by the individual instrument manipulator to the rest of the manipulator arm assembly as shown in FIG. 11D. Drape 1100 continues from rotatable seal 1108 (e.g., roll cover portion 1108a) and has a larger, second, designed to cover the rest of the manipulator arm (e.g., joint and link). And can be joined to the drape portion 1100b, and in one example successively cover the manipulator arm up to the manipulator assembly yaw joint (eg, yaw joints 124 and 224). Thus, the rotatable seal 1108 allows the instrument manipulator cluster to rotate freely relative to the rest of the manipulator arm assembly while substantially drape the entire arm assembly, thereby preserving the sterile environment of the surgical site. .

According to another embodiment, the sterile drape portion 1100b is designed to cover the drape on the retractable cannula mounting arm, which is described in more detail below. In one embodiment, the movable cannula mount includes a base portion connected to the manipulator arm and a retractable portion movably connected to the base portion. The retractable part can be moved in the retracted and deployed positions through the revolving joint, so that the retractable part can be rotated upwards or folded toward the base part to create more space around the patient. And / or drape more easily over the cannula mount when covering the drape to the manipulator arm. Other joints may also be used to connect the retractable portion with the base portion, including but not limited to, ball socket joints or universal joints, sliding joints that produce a telescoping effect, and the like, whereby the retractable portion may be attached to the base portion. By moving closer, the overall form factor of the cannula mount can be reduced. In yet another embodiment, the entire cannula mount can be telescoped inwards relative to the manipulator arm. Thus, the movable cannula mounting arm allows the drape of a larger robot arm with a relatively small opening in the drape. The drape may be positioned over the retracted cannula mounting arm, and then the cannula mounting arm may extend to the operating position after the drape is covered in pocket 1110. According to one aspect, the cannula mounting arm is fixed in the working position during operation of the instrument.

In one example, the drape pocket 1110 includes a clamp (eg, clamp 1754 in FIGS. 19A-19B and 20A-20B and clamp 2454 in FIGS. 24A-24D) and a receptacle at the distal end of the cannula mounting arm. (Refer to 2456)).

Drape 1100a may further include a latch cover 1107 on the sides of individual drape pockets 1105, thereby allowing individual latches 1342g (FIGS. 14A, 15, 16A) to extend out of the circumference of the instrument manipulator during use. And 17a-17c).

Advantageously, because of the distal surface of the instrument manipulator that interfaces with the instrument, the spring loaded independent output of the instrument manipulator, and the beneficial sterile drape, the instruments can be easily and reliably exchanged on the instrument manipulator while maintaining a stable sterile environment during the surgical procedure. Can be. In addition, sterile drape allows for a surgical robotic system that can be manufactured quickly and easily, while at the same time providing an improved range of motion (eg, rotational motion) with small form factors, thereby reducing operating room manufacturing time and costs.

Sterile adapter

Another embodiment of the drape comprising a sterile adapter is now described in more detail. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a drape portion 1200a of an extended sterile drape comprising a sterile adapter 1250 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The drape portion 1200a may replace the drape portion 1100a of FIG. 11D and is operatively connected to the drape portion 1100b in the manner of a rotatable seal 1208 substantially similar to the rotatable seal 1108. . Drape portion 1200a includes a plurality of drape sleeves 1205 connected between rotatable seal 1208 and sterile adapter 1250. Drape portion 1200a further includes a pocket extension 1206 connected to sterile adapter 1250 to cover the drape over the insertion mechanism of the instrument manipulator.

The rotatable seal 1208 operatively connects the manipulator platform of the manipulator arm assembly with the proximal opening 1203 of the drape sleeve 1205. In one example, the rotatable seal 1208 includes a rotatable labyrinth seal having a roll cover portion 1208a and a base comb portion 1208b that is rotatable relative to the roll cover portion 1208a. In one embodiment, the base comb portion 1208b includes a disk having a lip 1204 forming a plurality of wedge shaped “frames” with holes, each frame sized to enclose the instrument manipulator. In one embodiment, the base comb portion 1208b includes a lip 1204 formed 90 degrees apart in the disk. The proximal end of the drape sleeve 1205 is connected to each frame of the base comb portion 1208b. Thus, the base comb portion 1208b with the lip assists in covering the drape to individual instrument manipulators that form a tight cluster on the rotatable base plate of the instrument manipulator, and furthermore, the drape covered instrument manipulator may be moved during the surgical procedure. It also helps to maintain the orientation and placement of the drape pocket 1205.

12 illustrates that the drape sleeves 1205 are all extended, for example, the instrument manipulator extends along their respective insertion mechanism, but the instrument manipulators are controlled independently and / or dependent on each other. It is therefore noted that the drape sleeve can be independently retracted and extended.

It should also be noted that the base comb portion 1208b may include a number of ribs oriented at an angle other than 90 degrees provided that space is provided through each frame of the base comb portion for mounting the instrument manipulator. In one example, the base comb portion 1208b may consist of ribs that divide the circular area into a number of sections, each sized to enclose an instrument manipulator.

The roll cover portion 1208a is fixedly mounted to the frame of the manipulator platform (eg manipulator halo), and the base comb portion 1208b is fixedly mounted to the rotatable base plate 1140a, thereby allowing the base plate 1140a to be mounted. When rotating, the base comb portion 1208b also rotates with the drape covered instrument manipulator. In one example, since the proximal end of the drape sleeve 1205 is connected to the base comb portion 1208b, all the drape sleeves 1205 rotate together as a group about the more proximal drape portion 1100b.

13A and 13B illustrate a perspective view of an assembled sterile adapter 1250 and an exploded view of the sterile adapter 1250, respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Sterile adapter 1250 includes a boot 1252 having a boot wall 1252a and a cylindrical hole 1252b used as a passageway for posts on the instrument manipulator, which is further described below. The distal end of the drape sleeve 1205 may be connected to the outer surface of the boot wall 1252a. Adapter 1250 also includes a pair of supports 1258 used to properly align, position and hold the surgical instrument under the sterile adapter to engage the instrument manipulator on the top surface of the sterile adapter. Adapter 1250 also includes a flexible membrane interface 1254 that is interfaced between the output of each instrument manipulator and the input of each surgical instrument for controlling the list, roll, grip, and translation of the surgical instrument. In one embodiment, the membrane interface 1254 has a grip actuator interface 1254b, a joggle actuator interface 1254c, a wrist actuator interface 1254d and a roll actuator interface 1254e that interface with associated instrument manipulator outputs. Include.

In one embodiment, roll mover interface 1254e is designed to rotate and maintain a sterile barrier within sterile adapter 1250. As illustrated in FIG. 13C, in one aspect, roll mover interface 1254e includes roll disk 1257a with slots or grooves 1257b around the circumference of the disk containing flat retaining plate 1254f ( 13b). Retention plate 1254f is attached to flexible membrane interface 1254 to allow the roll disk to rotate while maintaining the sterile barrier of the sterile adapter and drape.

Membrane interface 1254 is positioned between boot 1252 and support 1258, and tube 1256 connects boot 1252, membrane interface 1254, and support 1258 together. The tube 1256 is aligned with the boot hole 1252b and the membrane hole 1254b, with the shaft portion of the tube 1256 located between the holes. A tube lip 1256a is retained in the boot hole 1252b, and the tube end 1256 holds the particular longitudinal distance of the tube shaft as shown by the double arrows in FIG. 13A and the support 1258. It is fixedly connected to the support 1258 to be movable.

Optionally, the grip mover interface plate 1254b ', the joggle mover interface plate 1254c' and the list mover interface plate 1254d 'are provided with the grip mover interface 1254b, the joggle mover interface 1254c and the roll. Connected to the bottom of the actuator interface 1254d, respectively, the engagement and connection with the associated instrument input is increased.

14A and 14B illustrate bottom perspective and bottom views of instrument manipulator 1300 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, the instrument is mounted relative to the distal face 1342a of the instrument manipulator 1300. Distal face 1342a includes various movable outputs that transmit movable force to a mounted instrument similar to the instrument manipulator described above with respect to FIGS. 3-8. As shown in Figs. 14A and 14B, this movable output includes a grip output lever 1342b (controlling grip movement of the instrument end actuator), a joggle output gym ball 1342c (distal parallel connection ("jog" or "elbow" mechanism) mechanism). Side to side motion and up and down motion control), list output gym 1342d (yaw motion and pitch motion control of the instrument end actuator), and roll output disk 1342e (roll motion control of the instrument). have. Independent mover drive modules (similar to those described above in connection with modules 542b ', 542c', 542d 'and 542e') of instrument manipulator 1300 are mover outputs 1342b, 1342c, 1342d and 1342e. To provide. In a similar manner, mover output 1342b-1342e can be spring-loaded. Details of these outputs and the associated components of the mechanism force transmission mechanism that accommodates such outputs are described in US Patent Application 12 / 060,104, filed March 31, 2008; US Patent Application Publication US 2009/0248040 A1). Examples of near-end portions of exemplary surgical instruments that can accept such inputs can be found in US Patent Application Ser. No. 11 / 762,165, referenced above. Examples of near-end portions of exemplary surgical instruments that can accept such inputs can be found in US Patent Application Ser. No. 11 / 762,165, referenced above. In short, the side to side and up and down DOF are provided by distal parallel connection, the end actuator yaw and the end actuator pitch DOF are provided by the distal flexible wrist mechanism, and the instrument roll DOF is essentially constant By rolling the instrument shaft while maintaining in position and pitch / yaw direction, the instrument grip DOF is provided by two moving opposing end actuator jaws. This DOF is an example of more or less DOF (eg, in some embodiments the camera mechanism omits the instrument roll and grip DOF).

The instrument manipulator 1300 further includes a latch mechanism 1342g for engaging the actuator output of the instrument mounted with the actuator output of the instrument operator 1300 via a sterile adapter 1250. In one embodiment, similar to the latch mechanism described above, when the latch 1342g is actuated, the inner frame 1342i of the instrument manipulator 1300 moves a set distance toward the mounted instrument with respect to the outer cell 1342h. The spring-loading module outputs 1342b-1342e engage the appropriate instrument inputs via sterile adapter 1250, in one embodiment through the membrane interface 1254. Thus, the mounted instrument is clamped between the top surface of the support 1258 and the spring loaded output through the membrane interface of the sterile adapter.

As noted above, the drape 1100a may include a latch cover 1107 over an individual drape pocket 1105, thereby covering an individual latch 1342g that may extend out of the circumference of the instrument manipulator during use. have. The latch handles can each be folded in the circumference of the corresponding instrument manipulator, so that the rotatable seal of the drape can reliably pass through the instrument manipulator.

Instrument manipulator 1300 further includes a post 1350 for operative connection of instrument manipulator 1300 and sterile adapter 1250, which is further described below.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16A-16C, the connection of instrument manipulator 1300 and sterile adapter 1250 is illustrated and described. 15 is a bottom perspective view of an instrument manipulator 1300 operatively connected to a sterile adapter 1250 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. 16A-16E illustrate the sequence of connecting a sterile adapter 1250 and an instrument manipulator 1300 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 16A, the post 1350 is aligned with the tube 1256 within the boot hole 1252b. Next, as shown in FIG. 16B, the free end of the post 1350 is positioned through the tube 1256 until the tab at the end of the post 1350 engages with the associated support hole as shown in FIG. 16E. do. Thus, one end of the post 1350 is fixedly mounted to the support 1258. In one embodiment, the support 1258 includes a slide 1258a having a keyhole hole 1258b as illustrated in FIGS. 16C-1 and 16C-2. As the sterile adapter is lifted to its final position as shown by arrow II, the support 1258 slides in the direction of arrow I, causing the post 1350 to cross over to the end of the keyhole hole 1258b. The support 1258 is then returned by the biasing means in the direction of arrow III, whereby a narrow section of the keyhole hole 1258b is fixed to the groove 1350a in the post 1350 (FIG. 16E).

The support 1258 of the sterile adapter is attached to the post of the instrument manipulator housing and then the boot 1252 of the sterile adapter 1250 is attached to the distal face 1342a of the instrument manipulator 1300. In one embodiment, this attachment is accomplished by protrusions on the inner wall of the boot that mate with recesses in the sides of the inner frame 1342i of the instrument manipulator. This attachment allows the boot to remain attached to the inner frame when the inner frame is raised or lowered by the latch 1342g.

Referring now to FIGS. 17A-17C and 18A-18B, the connection of surgical instrument 1460 and sterile adapter 1250 is illustrated and described. 17A-17C illustrate the order of connecting sterile adapter 1250 and surgical instrument 1460 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 17A, the instrument 1460 includes a force transmission mechanism 1460a and a shaft 1460b. The tip of the shaft 1460b is located in the freely rotatable entry guide 1500 within the cannula 1600. FIG. 17B shows a tab (eg, tab 1462 of FIG. 18A) on the force transfer mechanism 1460a of the mechanism 1460 aligned and engaged by a pair of supports 1258, FIG. 17C The force transmission mechanism 1460a is shown, which is also translated along the top surface of the support 1258.

18A and 18B illustrate enlarged perspective and side views, respectively, of instrument 1460 and sterile adapter 1250 before force transfer mechanism 1460a is fully transferred along support 1258. The instrument 1460 is moved along the support 1258 until the retention mechanism is reached along the support, which in one example is at the bottom of the tab 1462 that is aligned and engaged with the hole in the top of the support 1258. It may be a protrusion. The latch 1342g is then actuated to allow the instrument manipulator output and instrument input to engage via sterile adapter 1250. In one embodiment, the support 1258 is prevented from being removed from the post 1350 after the instrument is mounted. In one aspect, the protrusion on the support engages a recess in the side of the instrument force transmission mechanism housing to prevent the support from moving while the instrument is mounted.

Entry guide

Embodiments of the entry guide, cannula and cannula mounting arm are now described in more detail. As described above, the surgical instrument is mounted and actuated on each surgical instrument manipulator. The instruments are removably mounted so that various instruments can be interchangeably mounted to a particular manipulator. In an aspect, one or more manipulators can be configured to support and operate a particular type of instrument, such as a camera instrument. The shaft of the instrument extends distal from the instrument manipulator. The shaft extends through a common cannula located at the entrance into the patient's body (eg, through the body wall, at the natural opening). The cannula is connected to a cannula mounting arm movably connected to the manipulator arm. In one aspect, the entry guide is at least partially located in the cannula, with each instrument shaft extending through the channel of the entry guide, thereby providing additional support for the instrument shaft.

19A and 19B illustrate perspective views of embodiments of movable and / or removable cannula mounts 1750 in the folded and deployed positions, respectively. Cannula mount 1750 includes an extension 1722 movably connected to link 1738 of the manipulator arm, such as adjacent the proximal end of fourth manipulator link 138 (FIGS. 1A and 1B). Cannula mount 1750 further includes a clamp 1754 at the distal end of extension 1175. In one embodiment, the extension 1702 is by a rotary joint 1753 that allows the extension 1702 to move between the retracted position adjacent the link 1738 and the operating position keeping the cannula in the correct position. A link 1738 is connected, whereby the center of remote operation is located along the cannula. In one embodiment, extension 1702 can be rotated up or folded toward link 1738 as shown by arrow C, thereby creating more space around the patient and / or covering the drape on the manipulator arm. This makes it easier to coat the drape over the cannula mount. Other joints may also be used to connect extension 1752, including, but not limited to, ball socket joints or universal joints, sliding joints with telescoping effects, and the like, whereby the extensions are moved closer to the link so that the cannula mount And reduce the overall shape element of the manipulator arm. In another embodiment, the extension 1702 can be telescoped inwardly with respect to the manipulator arm, or the extension 1702 can be detached from the link, and can be operatively connected to the link. Extension 1752 is maintained in the working position during operation of the surgical system.

20A and 20B illustrate perspective views of cannula 1800 mounted to clamp 1754 of cannula mount 1750 illustrated in FIGS. 19A-19B, and FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of free-standing cannula 1800. do. In one embodiment, cannula 1800 includes a proximal portion 1804 detachably connected to clamp 1754 and a tube 1802 through which the instrument shaft passes (as shown in FIG. 22). Once the cannula 1800 is mounted to the clamp 1754, the clamp may prevent the cannula 1800 from rotating. In one example, the tube 1802 is made of stainless steel and the inner surface of the tube 1802 may be coated or lined with a lubricant or antifriction material, but the cannula may be made of other materials or liners, or may be without liners. have. Proximal portion 1804 may include an interior space for receiving an entry ridge with outer ridges 1806 and 1808 and a channel, as shown in FIGS. 22, 23A-23B, which is described in more detail below. Examples of applicable accessory clamps and accessories, such as cannulas, are disclosed in pending US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 240,087, filed Sep. 30, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Referring now to FIGS. 22 and 23A-23B in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 22 illustrates a cross-sectional view of cannula 1800 of FIG. 21, and a cross-sectional view of mounted entry guide tube 2200. Instrument manipulator 1942 is connected to rotatable base plate 1940 of the manipulator platform, in one example by telescoping insertion mechanism 1942a, and instrument 2160 is mounted to instrument manipulator 1942 (eg , On the distal or proximal surface of the instrument manipulator). In one embodiment, the telescoping insertion mechanism 1942a is symmetrically mounted to the rotatable base plate 1940 and in one example is set 90 degrees apart from each other to provide four instrument manipulators. Other configurations and configurations of the insertion mechanism (and hence the instrument manipulator and instrument) are possible.

Thus, instrument 2160 is mounted to instrument manipulator 1942 such that instrument shafts 2160b cluster in a manipulator assembly roll axis 1941. Each shaft 2160b extends distal from the force transmission mechanism 2160a of the instrument and all shafts extend through cannula 1800 located at the inlet into the patient's body. The cannula 1800 is detachably held in a fixed position relative to the base plate 1940 by the cannula mount 1750, which can be connected to the fourth manipulator link 138 in one embodiment. The entry guide tube 2200 is inserted into the cannula 1800 and freely rotates therein, with each instrument shaft 2160b extending through the associated channel 2204 of the guide tube 2200. The central longitudinal axis of the cannula and guide tube generally coincides with the roll axis 1941. Thus, as the base plate 1940 rotates to rotate the instrument manipulator and each furniture shaft, the guide tube 2200 also rotates in the cannula as the base plate 1940 rotates. In one example, the entry guide tube 2200 can rotate freely within the cannula about a central longitudinal axis of the guide tube aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the cannula, while the central longitudinal axis of the cannula is in line with the roll axis 1941 of the manipulator platform. Aligned or parallel. In another embodiment, the entry guide tube 2200 may be fixedly mounted to the cannula if a support fixed for the instrument shaft is desired.

Cross-sectional views of the entry guide tube 2200 are lines of FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrating side and top views, respectively, of the entry guide tube 2200 with the coupling lip 2202, the tube 2206 and the channels 2204a, 2204b. Taken according to III-III. The entry guide tube 2200 includes a lip 2202 for rotatably connecting the entry guide and the proximal portion 1804 of the cannula on the proximal end of the tube 2206. In one example, lip 2202 connects the ridges of the cannula (eg, ridges 1806 and 1808 of FIG. 22). In another embodiment, the entry guide does not require a coupling lip, which is described further below.

The entry guide tube 2200 further includes cannula 2204a, 2204b through the entry guide as a passageway for the instrument shaft (eg, the instrument shaft 2160b of FIG. 22). In one aspect, one channel or passageway is provided per instrument shaft, and the channels can have different geometric shapes and sizes. As illustrated in Figures 23A and 23B, channel 2204a has a different shape and size than channel 2204b, and in one example channel 2204a is used to guide a camera mechanism with a larger, more rigid shaft, Channel 2204b is used to guide the instrument shaft of a typical instrument. Other shapes and sizes of channels may also be applied, including but not limited to openings having the shape of round, oval, oval, triangular, square, rectangular and polygonal.

When the base plate rotates about the roll axis 1941, the cluster of the instrument manipulator 1942 and the instrument 2160 also rotates about the roll axis. When the instrument shaft 2160b rotates about the roll axis 1941 while in the channel 2204 of the entry guide, the instrument shaft impinges on the inner surface of the entry guide channel and at least one rotating instrument shaft is The tube 2200 can be driven and rotated about it in the cannula 1800, which can be clamped by a clamp of the cannula mount, for example a clamp 1754 of the cannula mount 1750, in a stationary state. maintain.

The instrument shaft can be inserted and withdrawn through the entry guide channel independently or in cooperation with each other by the movement of each insertion mechanism 1942a. The instrument 2160 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about the roll axis 1941 so that the entry guide tube 2200 can correspondingly rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about the roll axis. have. In addition, although four channels are illustrated in the entry guide and a plurality of instrument shafts are illustrated passing through the entry guide and cannula, the entry guide and cannula assembly is a different number of channels and instrument / instrument assemblies that run through the entry guide and cannula. Can function within a surgical system with a shaft. For example, an entry guide tube having one or more channels through which the one or more instrument / instrument assembly shafts lead through the entry guide and cannula also falls within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the torque provided by the instrument shaft to rotate the entry guide need not be provided symmetrically by the plurality of instrument shafts, but asymmetrically and independently, including most of the torque provided by the single instrument shaft. Can be.

In one embodiment, the entry guide tube 2200 and the cannula 1800 each comprise an electronic or wireless interface, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip or tag, which provides information about the cannula and / or entry guide tube. And confirming, allowing the surgical system to recognize the identification of the particular entry guide and / or cannula (eg, read by the manipulator arm). In addition, identification data can be read using metal rings, mechanical pins, and inductive sensing mechanisms. Such an electronic or air interface allows data (eg, entry guide tube / cannula type) to be transferred to the surgical system. Details of the application of sterile drape to preserve sterile fields and mechanical and electrical interfaces for various instruments, guide tubes and imaging systems are all described in US Pat. Nos. 6,866,671 (Tierney et al.) And 6,132,368, which are incorporated herein by reference. Discussed in Cooper, these can similarly be used with the entry guide and cannula.

It is further noted that in other embodiments, the entry guide tube may not include a coupling lip. 24 illustrates a cross-sectional view of entry guide tube 2300 mounted to cannula 2400. The entry guide tube 2300 includes a channel 2304 and is similar to the entry guide tube 2200 described above but without a coupling lip. Instead, the entry guide tube 2300 is rotatably connected to the proximal portion of the cannula by a force against which the instrument shaft 2160b strikes the inner wall of the entry guide tube channel 2304. It is also noted that the cannula does not need to include an outer ridge in the proximal portion. In addition, in one aspect, the entry guide tube can move while rotating longitudinally along the longitudinal axis or roll axis of the cannula, which is driven by an instrument shaft running through the entry guide tube.

Referring now to FIGS. 24A-24D, different embodiments of cannula mounting arms, clamps, and cannula that can be used with the entry guide described above are illustrated. 24A and 24B illustrate perspective views of embodiments of movable and / or removable cannula mounts 2450 in the folded and deployed operating positions, respectively. Cannula mount 2450 is operatively connected to link 2438 of manipulator arm with instrument manipulator assembly platform 2440 as adjacent the proximal end of fourth manipulator link 138 (FIGS. 1A, 1B). ). In one embodiment, the extension 2452 is by means of a rotary joint 2453 allowing the extension 2452 to move between the retracted position adjacent the link 2438 and the operating position keeping the cannula in the correct position. Link 2438, whereby the center of remote operation is located along the cannula. In one embodiment, extension 2452 can be rotated up or folded toward link 2438 as shown by arrow D, thereby creating more space around the patient and / or covering the drape on the manipulator arm. This makes it easier to coat the drape over the cannula mount. Other joints may also be used to connect extension 2452, including but not limited to, ball socket joints or universal joints, telescoping sliding joints, and the like, whereby the extension is moved closer to the link so that the cannula mount And reduce the overall shape element of the manipulator arm. In other embodiments, the extension 2452 can be telescoped inwardly with respect to the manipulator arm, or the extension 2452 can be detached from the link, and operatively connected to the link.

Cannula mount 2450 further includes a clamp 2454 over receiver 2456 on the distal end of extension 2452. FIG. 24C illustrates a perspective view of the cannula 2470 mountable to the clamp 2454 and the receptacle 2456 of the cannula mount 2450 illustrated in FIG. 24D. In one embodiment, cannula 2470 includes a proximal portion 2474 with boss 2476. Boss 2476 includes a lower hemisphere 2478 located within the mating receptacle 2456 (as shown by the arrow from hemisphere 2478 to the receptacle 2456). Boss 2476 further includes an upper surface 2479 that engages clamp 2454, thereby securing the boss in place, such that cannula 2470 is also in a fixed position relative to cannula mount extension 2452. It is fixed. The clamp 2454 is actuated by the lever 2480. Cannula 2470 further includes a tube 2472 as the passageway of the instrument shaft (as shown in FIGS. 22 and 24). Once the cannula 2470 is mounted by the clamp 2454 and the receptacle 2456, the clamp may prevent the cannula 2470 from rotating. In one example, the tube 2472 is made of stainless steel and the inner surface of the tube 2472 may be coated or lined with lubricant or antifriction material, but the cannula may be made of other materials or liners, or may be without liners. have. Proximal portion 2474 includes an interior space for receiving an entry guide with channels as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23A-23B and 24. Examples of applicable accessory clamps and accessories, such as cannulas, are disclosed in pending US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 240,087, filed Sep. 30, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

In one aspect, the entry guide and cannula assembly described above supports a process that requires blowing gas at the blowing and surgical site. Further disclosure regarding the intake through the entry guide and cannula assembly is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 705,439, filed Feb. 12, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, "single entry." Entry guide for multiple instruments in the system.

Advantageously, since the entry guide is driven subordinately by the instrument shaft (s), the need for a motor or other actuation mechanism for rotating the entry guide is eliminated. The entry guide also allows for the elimination of bulky actuator mechanisms near the patient or surgical site. Thus, the entry guide and cannula assembly provide an effective and reliable means of beneficially organizing and supporting multiple instruments through a single inlet and reducing the collision of instruments and other devices during the surgical procedure.

Single entrance surgical system structure

25A-25C, 26A-26C and 27A-27C illustrate different views of a surgical system 2500 with instrument manipulator assembly roll axes or instrument insertion axes facing different directions relative to patient P. FIGS. 25A-25C illustrate the manipulator assembly roll axis 2541 directed downward toward the head H of the patient P. FIGS. 26A-26C illustrate the manipulator assembly roll axis 2541 directed downward toward the foot F of the patient P. FIGS. 27A-27C illustrate the manipulator assembly roll axis 2541 designated upwards towards the head H of the patient P. FIGS.

The surgical system 2500 includes a manipulator arm assembly 2501 that includes a setup link 2518 and an active proximal link 2526 and an active distal link 2528 for locating a remote operating center of the robotic surgical system, Link 2526 is operatively connected to setup link 2528 by active yoke joint 2524. A plurality of instrument manipulators 2252 form an instrument manipulator assembly rotatably connected to the distal end of distal link 2528. In one embodiment, the plurality of instrument manipulators are connected to manipulator assembly platform 2540 by telescoping insertion mechanism 2544. The plurality of instrument manipulators 2254 can rotate about the roll axis 2581. In one embodiment, the plurality of instrument manipulators each includes a distal face, from which the plurality of mover outputs protrude toward the distal face and a plurality of surgical instruments 2560 are connected to the distal face of the corresponding instrument manipulator. . Cannula mount 2550 is movably connected to distal link 2528, and cannula and entry guide tube assembly 2552 is connected to cannula mount 2550. In one embodiment, the cannula has a central longitudinal axis substantially coincident with the roll axis 2581. Each surgical instrument has an entry guide tube and a shaft through the cannula such that rotation of at least one instrument shaft rotates the entry guide tube about the longitudinal axis of the cannula.

Vertical manipulator assembly yaw axis 2523 at yaw joint 2524 allows proximal link 2526 to rotate substantially 360 degrees or more about a remote operating center of the surgical system (see, eg, FIG. 2C). ). In one example, manipulator assembly yaw rotation can be continuous, in another example manipulator assembly yaw rotation is approximately +180 degrees. In yet another example, the manipulator assembly yaw rotation can be approximately 660 degrees. Since the instrument is inserted into the patient's body in a direction generally aligned with the manipulator assembly roll axis 2581, the manipulator arm assembly 2501 is actively controlled to position the instrument insertion direction in any desired direction around the manipulator assembly yaw axis and May be repositioned (see, for example, FIGS. 25A-25C showing the direction of instrument insertion towards the patient's head and FIGS. 26A-26C showing the direction of instrument insertion towards the patient's foot). This ability can be very beneficial in some surgical procedures. In certain abdominal surgeries in which the instrument is inserted through a single inlet located in the navel (see, eg, FIGS. 25A-25C), for example, the instrument has four quadrants of the abdomen without having to open a new inlet to the patient's body wall. It can be located to access everyone. Multiple quadrant access may be necessary, for example, for lymph node access throughout the abdomen. On the other hand, the use of a multi-entry telerobot surgical system may need to make additional inlets in the patient's body wall to more fully access other abdominal quadrants.

In addition, the manipulator may send the instrument vertically downward in a slightly upwardly pitched configuration (eg, FIG. 27A-showing the instrument insertion direction pitched upward near the hole O of the body). See 27c). Thus, the angle at which the instrument enters through a single entry port (both yaw and pitch about the remote center) can be easily manipulated and changed, while at the same time increasing the space around the entry port for patient safety and patient control. Can be provided.

In addition, the link and active joint of manipulator arm assembly 2501 can be used to easily manipulate the pitch of the entry angle of the instrument through a single entry port while creating space around the single entry port. For example, the link of the arm assembly 2501 may be positioned to have a shape element that "draws an arc" from the patient. This distant arc is such that the collision between the manipulator arm and the patient does not occur when the manipulator arm is rotated about the yaw axis 2523. In addition, these arcs allow the patient side personnel to easily access the manipulator to change instruments, and to easily access the entry port to insert and operate a manual instrument (eg, a manual laparoscopic instrument or a retraction device). In other words, the working envelope of the cluster of instrument manipulator 2542 may be approximately conical, with the tip of the cone positioned at the center of the remote operation, and the circular end of the cone positioned at the proximal end of the instrument manipulator 2542. This working envelope reduces the interference between the patient and the surgical robotic system, increases the operating range of the system, improves access to the surgical site, and improves patient accessibility of the surgical staff.

Thus, the construction and geometry of manipulator arm assembly 2501 allows multiple quadrant surgery through a single inlet with its large range of operation. A single incision allows the manipulator to send the instrument in one direction and easily change direction. For example, one may work on the patient's head (see, eg, FIGS. 25A-25C) and then turn toward the patient's pelvis by moving the manipulator arm about a constant vertical yaw axis 2523 ( See, eg, FIGS. 26A-26C).

Referring now to FIG. 28, the schematic diagram illustrates aspects of centralized motion control and coordination system architecture of a minimally invasive telesurgical system incorporating the surgical instrument assembly and components described herein. The operation coordinator system 2802 receives a master input 2804, a sensor input 2806, and an optimization input 2808.

Master input 2804 may include movement of the doctor's arm, wrist, hand and fingers on the master control mechanism. Input can also be other movements (eg, pressing buttons, levers, switches, etc. or moving fingers, feet, knees, etc.) and commands (eg, voice) or one-specific controls to control the position and direction of certain components. Instructions for controlling the enemy task (eg, applying energy to an electrocauterized end actuator or laser, operating an imaging system, etc.).

Sensor input 2806 may include, for example, position information from measured servomotor position or sensed bending information. US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 491,384 (Larkin, et al.), Incorporated herein by reference, refers to the use of a fiber Bragg grating for position sensing using the invention “robot surgical system comprising a position sensor using a fiber Bragg grating”. Explain. Such bending sensors can be integrated into the various instrumentation and imaging systems described herein and can be used to determine position and orientation information of components (eg, end actuator tips). In addition, the position and orientation information may be generated by one or more sensors (eg, fluoroscopy, MRI, ultrasound, etc.) located outside of the patient, in real time to change the position and orientation of components within the patient. Detect.

As described below, the user interface has three connected control modes, which are the mode for the instrument (s), the mode for the imaging system and the mode for manipulator arm configuration and / or roll axis control. Modes for the guide tube (s) can also be used. These connected modes allow the user to handle the system as a whole, rather than directly controlling it part by part. Thus, one must determine how the motion coordinator can use the overall system kinematics (ie, the overall DOF of the system) to achieve a particular goal. For example, one goal may be to optimize the space around the patient, or to minimize the form factor of the manipulator arm. Another goal may be to optimize the instrument workspace for specific configurations. Another goal may be to keep the vision of the imaging system centered between the two instruments. Thus, optimization input 2808 may be a high-level command, or this input may include more detailed command or perceptual information. An example of a high-level command may be a command to tell the intelligent controller to optimize the workspace. An example of a more detailed command may be a command to the imaging system to start or stop its camera. An example of a sensor input may be a signal that a workspace limit has been reached.

Operation coordinator 2802 outputs command signals to various mover controllers and movers (eg, servomotors) associated with manipulators of the various telesurgical system arms. 28 depicts an example of sending output signals to four instrument controllers 2810, imaging system controller 2812, roll axis controller 2814 and manipulator arm controller 2816, which in turn are instrument actuators, active arms. Control signals can be sent to the joint, the rotation mechanism of the manipulator platform, and the active telescoping insertion mechanism. Other numbers of controllers and combinations can be used. Control and feedback mechanisms and signals, such as location information (eg, one or more wireless transmitters, RFID chips, etc.) and other data from sensing systems, are described in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 762,196, which is incorporated herein by reference. Disclosed, and they can be applied to the present disclosure.

Thus, in some aspects, the physician operating the telesurgical system will automatically access the identified at least three control modes simultaneously, these being the instrument control mode for moving the instrument, the imaging system control for moving the imaging system. Mode, and manipulator arm roll axis control mode for active movement about the outer yaw axis to configure the linkage of the manipulator arms or to configure the rotation of the manipulator platform to specific shape elements or relative to each other. to be. Similar concentrating structures can be adapted to work in accordance with various other mechanism aspects described herein.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of distributed motion control and coordination system architecture for a minimally invasive telesurgical system incorporating the surgical instrument assembly and components described herein. In the exemplary aspect shown in FIG. 29, the control and conversion processor 2902 includes two master arm optimizers / controllers 2904a and 2904b, three surgical instrument optimizers / controllers 2906a, 2906b, and 2906c. Information is exchanged with the imaging system optimizer / controller 2908 and the roll axis optimizer / controller 2910. Each optimizer / controller is associated with a master or subordinate arm of the telesurgery system, which includes, for example, a camera (imaging system) arm, an instrument arm and a manipulator arm. The optimizer / controller each receives a cancer-specific optimization target 2912a-2912g.

Double arrows between the control and conversion processor 2902 and various optimizers / controllers indicate the exchange of tracking data associated with the arms of the optimizer / controller. The tracking data includes the complete Cartesian configuration of the entire arm, including the base frame and the distal tip frame. The control and conversion processor 2902 sends tracking data received from each optimizer / controller to all optimizers / controllers, so that each optimizer / controller has data for the current Cartesian configuration of all arms in the system. In addition, the optimizer / controller of each arm receives optimization goals specific to the arm. Next, the optimizer / controller of each arm uses the remaining arm position as input and constraint when pursuing optimization goals. In one aspect, each optimization controller uses its built-in local optimizer to pursue its optimization goals. Each arm's optimizer / controller's optimization module can be turned on or off independently. For example, only the optimization module of the imaging system and the instrument arm can be turned on.

Distributed control structures offer more flexibility than centralized structures, but there is a potential for reduced performance. However, in this distributed architecture the optimization is local compared to the overall optimization that can be performed in a centralized structure where a single module is aware of the state of the entire system.

Link Counterweight

An embodiment of the counterweight mechanism in the proximal link is now described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 30A-37C. 30A illustrates a manipulator arm assembly 3001 that is substantially similar to the arm assembly described above, wherein the features of the arm assembly described above may also be applied in connection with assembly 3001, and FIG. 30B illustrates arm assembly 3001. Illustrates the proximity of the counterweight proximal link of. 31-37C illustrate different aspects and views of a wallless counterweight system of the proximal link housing. In particular, FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of a counterweight system, FIGS. 32A-36C illustrate diagrams of an adjustment operating range for moving an end plug relative to an adjustment pin, a straight guide, and a straight guide, and FIGS. 37A-37C Details from the distal end of the counterweight proximal link showing the rocker arm and set screw in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated.

Referring now to FIGS. 30A-30B, the manipulator arm assembly 3001 includes a proximal link 3026 that can be operatively connected to the setup link by a yaw joint to form the manipulator assembly yaw axis 3023. Proximal link 3026 is rotatably connected to distal link 3028 about pivot axis 3070. In one example, motor 3073 may be controlled to pivot distal link 3028 about pivot axis 3070. In one embodiment, distal link 3028 includes instrument manipulator assembly platform 3040 at the distal end of the distal link. Cannula mount 3050 is movably connected to distal link 3028. In one embodiment, the platform 3040 provides a rotatable base plate on which the instrument manipulator can be mounted and rotated about the instrument manipulator assembly roll axis 3041. The intersection of the yaw axis 3023, the roll axis 3041 and the instrument manipulator assembly pitch axis 3039 forms a remote center of motion 3046 as already described above.

30B and 31, the counterweight link 3026 now has a housing 3084 with a central longitudinal axis 3084c extending between the housing proximal end or first end 3084a and the housing distal end or second end 3084b. It includes. A compression spring 3080 is disposed along the longitudinal axis 3084c, which has a spring proximal end or first end 3080a and a spring distal end or second end 3080b. In one embodiment, the compression spring is made of a silicon chromium alloy, but may be made of other materials. A base 3092 is disposed at the first end of the housing and is connected with the first end 3080a of the compression spring 3080 by an alignment ring 3090 therebetween. A plug 3074 is disposed at the second end of the housing and is connected to the second end 3080b of the compression spring 3080. In one embodiment, the alignment ring 3090 is fixedly connected to the first end 3080a of the compression spring 3080, and the plug 3094 is connected to an external screw thread (e.g., the spring second end 3080b is retracted). Screw thread 3074a).

A cable 3088 having a coupler 3071 at the first end of the cable is connected to the rod from the distal link 3028, and the second end of the cable 3088 is operatively connected to the plug 3094. From the rod bearing end of the cable 3088 in the coupler 3081, the cable 3088 passes through a plurality of pulleys 3076 and 3078 outside the housing 3084, and then the pulley 3094 in the base 3092. After passing through, it is connected to plug 3074. The rod from the distal link 3028 pulls the cable 3088 in the direction E1 and E2 about the pulley 3094 (FIG. 31) so that the plug 3094 compresses the spring 3080 in the E2 direction, with the E2 direction being It is configured to balance at least a portion of the rod from the distal link about the pivot axis 3070.

To increase safety, the cable 3088 may include extra cables, which are coupled to a cable tension equalizer 3082 that equalizes the tension across the extra cable. The cable twister 3095 is optionally used to operatively connect the extra cables between the pulley 3094 and the coupler 3071. A plurality of cap screws 3075 may be disposed between the cable tension equalizer 3082 and the plug 3074, which may be used to adjust the force divergence of the counterweight link. In one embodiment, three cap screws 3075 connect the cable tension equalizer 3082 and the plugs 3074, one cap screw bears substantially all tension, and the other two cap screws are redundant and safe. Is provided for.

In one aspect, the portion of the cable 3088 between the pulley 3094 and the plug 3074 substantially runs along the central longitudinal axis 3084c of the proximal link housing. In another aspect, the spring 3080 is compressed substantially along the central longitudinal axis 3084c of the proximal link housing. However, spring compression may cause "boeing" or non-linear compression of the spring along the longitudinal axis of the housing, which may cause contact of the spring with the inner surface of the grinding and proximal link housing. In order to reduce or substantially eliminate bowing, the orientation of the spring 3080 at both the first and second ends 3080a and 3080b can be adjusted in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In addition, in one embodiment, the housing includes a straight guide track 3096 disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 3084c. A linear guide 3086 movable and slidably connected to the straight guide track 3096 is fixedly connected to the coil of the compression spring 3080. A linear guide 3062, movably or slidably connected to the straight guide track 3096, is operatively connected to the plug 3094. The straight guide track 3096 and the straight guides 3086 and 3072 further reduce or substantially eliminate the bowing of the compression spring 3080. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the counterweight system can be operated without a straight guide and a straight guide track.

With regard to the adjustable alignment of the first end or the proximal end of the compression spring, in one aspect the alignment ring 3090 is now movably connected to the base 3092 by means of a plurality of adjustment screws 3071, thereby adjusting the adjustment screw ( The movement of 3091 adjusts the direction of the alignment ring 3090 such that the direction of the first end of the spring 3080a is fixedly connected to the alignment ring 3090. In one example, the base 3092 is connected to the alignment ring 3090 by four adjustment screws 3091 set to be spaced apart from each other in a square or rectangular configuration. Other geometric configurations of the screw are also possible. The adjusting screw 3091 each moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planar top surface of the alignment ring 3090 (eg, by screw action through a base hole with an internal screw thread), thereby directing the alignment ring. Can be adjusted at each point of contact with the adjustment screw. Thus, the direction of the alignment ring 3090 and the fixedly connected first end 3080a of the spring 3080 can be adjusted at various points along the alignment ring 3090. More or fewer adjustment screws 3031 are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 32A-37C, a detailed view from the distal end of the counterweight proximal link without the wall of the link housing is illustrated. In particular, these figures are provided for adjusting the orientation of the adjustment pin 3106, the rocker arm 3108, and the fixedly connected second end 3080b of the end plug 3074 and the spring 3080 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Illustrate diagrams of the operating range of the adjustment pin and the rocker arm.

FIG. 32A illustrates a bottom perspective view of the counterweight system, and FIG. 32B illustrates a perspective view of the cross section along line IV-IV of FIGS. 31, 32A and 37A. As noted above, a plurality of cap screws 3075a and 3075b are disposed between and connect the cable tension equalizer 3062 and the plug 3074. In this embodiment, the cap screw 3075a bears all tension, and the remaining two cap screws 3075b are provided for redundancy and safety. As further noted above, the distal end of the spring 3080 is connected to the plug 3094 by acting a screw on the outer screw thread 3074a of the plug 3074. Optionally, plug 3074 includes a plurality of grooves 3200 formed to lighten the weight of the plug. In addition, the straight guide 3062 may be slidably connected to the straight guide track 3096 by the straight guide flange 3062a.

As can be seen in FIGS. 32A-32B, the plug 3074 is positioned over the adjusting pin 3106, the socket screw 3104 leading through the inner channel of the adjusting pin 3106 and the free end 3104a of the socket screw 3104. It is screwed and connected to the straight guide 3062 by a nut 3102 that holds the position of the adjustment pin 3106 and the straight guide 3072 in place relative to each other. In one embodiment, the socket screw 3104 is a six-socket screw. The head 3104b of the socket screw 3104 is opposite the free end 3104a and is located inside the engaging trench 3105 of the adjusting pin 3106 so that the nut 3102 is free end 3104a of the socket screw. When fully engaged in, the head portion of the socket screw can be fixed in the adjustment pin, thereby fixing the position of the adjustment pin 3106 and the straight guide 3062 with respect to each other.

Referring now to FIGS. 33-36C, adjusting the movement of the adjustment pin 3106 relative to the straight guide 3072 is described in more detail. FIG. 33 shows a circle that can be pivoted when the adjustment pin 3106, circle 3114, and adjustment pin 3106 connected to the straight guide 3062 are not fully secured in place with respect to the straight guide 3072. A side view of the center 3114a is illustrated. 34 shows a linear guide marking 3062b and an adjustment pin marking 3106c when the central longitudinal axis 3107 of the adjustment pin 3106 is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 3097 of the straight guide 3072 or the guide track 3096. To illustrate. By means of the adjustment of the counterweight system (and in particular the plug direction) a linear guide marking 3062b and an adjustment pin marking 3106c can be used to determine the relative positions of the adjustment pin and the straight guide. 35 illustrates a perspective view of an adjustment pin 3106 that includes a pin shaft 3106a and a pin head 3106b. As can be seen in FIGS. 33-35, the pin head 3106b has a curved top surface operatively mating with the curved surface of the straight guide 3062.

36A-36C illustrate side views of the adjustment pins 3106 and straight guides 3072 and their respective central longitudinal axes 3107 and 3097, respectively. 36A illustrates the vertical position of the central longitudinal axis 3107 of the adjustment pin 3106 with respect to the central longitudinal axis 3097 of the straight guide 3062, and FIG. 36B shows that the central longitudinal axis 3107 of the adjustment pin 3106 is straight. 36C illustrates a position forming an obtuse angle with the central longitudinal axis 3097 of the guide 3062, and FIG. 36C shows that the central longitudinal axis 3107 of the adjusting pin 3106 forms an acute angle with the central longitudinal axis 3097 of the straight guide 3072. The position to illustrate is illustrated. 36A-36C thus illustrate the pivoting movement of the adjustment pin 3106 relative to the straight guide 3062 and thus the direction adjustments that may be made to the fixedly connected second end 3080b of the plug 3074 and the spring 3080. To illustrate.

FIG. 37A illustrates another bottom perspective view of the counterweight system showing the rocker arm 3108 and the set screw 3110, FIG. 37B illustrates FIG. 37A with the plug 3074 removed, and FIG. 37C the rocker arm 3108 illustrates the removal of FIG. 37B. The rocker arm 3108 is connected to an adjustment pin 3106 at the free end of the pin shaft 3106a and a set screw 3110 connects the rocker arm 3108 and the plug 3074. Cross disc pin 3112 clamps rocker arm 3108 to adjustment pin 3106. The plug 3074 connected with the rocker arm 3108 may pivot about the central longitudinal axis 3107 of the adjustment pin 3106 and may be adapted to the movement of the set screw 3110 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3107. By means of screw action through a rocker arm hole with an internal screw thread, for example. Thus, the orientation of the fixedly connected second end 3080b of the plug 3074 and the spring 3080 can be adjusted at each point in contact with the set screw 3110. More or fewer adjustment screws 3110 are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the orientation of the second or distal end of the plug and thus of the spring 3080 can be adjusted at various points by pivoting the adjustment pin 3106 and the rocker arm 3108. In one aspect, the adjustment pin 3106 and the rocker arm 3108 pivot about axes perpendicular to each other.

The counterweight link of the present disclosure can also change the number of active coils that can be compressed in the compression spring by adjusting between the plug and the second end of the compression spring. In one aspect, the second end of the compression spring can change the number of active coils that can be screwed further or less on the outer screw thread of the plug.

Advantageously, as the motor pivots the distal link 3028 about the pivot axis 3070 for increased beneficial robot arm configuration and instrument manipulation, the counterweight proximal link 3026 is easier to distal of the distal link. It allows movement and reduces the torque required for the motor to swing the distal link while at the same time providing increased stability from any motor failure. In some embodiments, even if the counterweight mechanism of the proximal link has failed in its entirety, a brake may be applied to the motor orbiting the distal link to secure the distal link in place.

The embodiments described above illustrate and do not limit the present disclosure. In addition, it should be understood that many modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. For example, in many embodiments the device described herein is used as a single inlet device, ie all components necessary to complete the surgical procedure enter the body through a single entry port. However, in some embodiments multiple devices and inlets may be used.

Claims (20)

A plurality of independent mover drive modules, the plurality of mover drive modules each including a mover output, each mover output independently of a corresponding mover input of a surgical instrument without force input from another mover output. A plurality of mover drive modules configured to be operated by means of: And
A frame containing a plurality of independent mover drive modules, the frame comprising a distal portion, from which the respective mover output protrudes distal to engage a corresponding mover input of the surgical instrument.
Instrument manipulator comprising a. 2. The roll mover drive module of claim 1, wherein the plurality of independent mover drive modules includes a roll mover drive module having a roll output for activating a roll operation of the surgical instrument, and a grip mover drive module having a grip output for activating a grip operation of the surgical instrument. And a joggle mover drive module having a list output device for driving a list operation of the surgical instrument and a joggle drive drive module having a joggle output for operating the list translation operation of the surgical instrument. The instrument manipulator according to claim 1, wherein the mover output is one of a two-axis gym ball, a disc, or a lever. 2. The instrument manipulator according to claim 1, wherein the actuator outputs are each spring loaded. The instrument manipulator according to claim 1, wherein the actuator outputs are each spring loaded in a direction substantially perpendicular to a single plane of the frame distal surface. 2. The instrument manipulator according to claim 1, wherein the actuator outputs are each spring loaded in a direction substantially parallel to the distal longitudinal axis of the instrument shaft. The instrument manipulator according to claim 1, further comprising a telescoping insertion mechanism having a base link operably connected to the distal link of the robotic surgical system and a carriage link operably connected to the frame of the instrument manipulator. 8. The instrument manipulator of claim 7, wherein the manipulator frame translates along the telescoping insertion mechanism between the near end of the base link and the distal end of the carrier link. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an instrument support feature and a latch mechanism mounted to the frame, wherein the latch mechanism maintains the instrument in a fixed position by moving the distal surface of the frame toward or away from the distal end of the instrument support feature. And in such a state that the movable device output of the manipulator and the movable device input of the device are operatively engaged or disengaged. 2. The instrument manipulator according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of posts for connecting with a sterile adapter. A setup link for positioning the teleoperation center of the robotic surgical system;
A proximal link operably connected to the setup link;
A distal link operably connected to the proximal link;
A plurality of instrument manipulators operatively connected to a rotatable element at the distal end of the distal link, each instrument manipulator being
As a plurality of independent mover drive modules, each mover drive module includes a mover output, each mover output having a corresponding mover output of the surgical instrument without force input from another mover output. A plurality of mover drive modules configured to operate independently; And
A frame containing a plurality of independent mover drive modules, the frame comprising a distal portion, wherein each of the mover outputs protrude distal and engage a corresponding mover input of the surgical instrument. Instrument manipulators; And
A plurality of surgical instruments, each surgical instrument operatively connected to a corresponding instrument manipulator
Robotic surgical system comprising a. 12. The roll mover drive module of claim 11, wherein the plurality of independent mover drive modules comprises a roll mover drive module having a roll output for activating a roll operation of the surgical instrument, and a grip mover drive module having a grip output for activating a grip operation of the surgical instrument. And a list mover drive module having a list output for activating the list operation of the surgical instrument, and a joggle mover drive module having a joggle output for activating the list translation operation of the surgical instrument. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the actuator output is one of a two-axis gym ball, a disk, or a lever. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the mover outputs are each spring loaded in a direction substantially perpendicular to a single plane of the frame distal surface. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the actuator outputs are each spring loaded in a direction substantially parallel to the distal longitudinal axis of the instrument shaft. 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a telescoping insertion mechanism having a base link operatively connected to the distal link of the robotic surgical system and a carriage link operatively connected to the frame of the instrument manipulator. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein each surgical instrument has a proximal surface operatively mounted to the distal surface of the instrument manipulator. 12. The surgical instrument of claim 11 wherein the surgical instrument comprises an articulation tool with end actuators such as juices, scissors, graspers, needle holders, micro-disectors, staple appliers, trackers and clip appliers, and cutting blades, cautery probes, stimuli And a non-articulation tool such as a device, catheter and inlet. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of telescoping insertion mechanisms disposed in the rotatable element at the distal end of the distal link, each telescoping insertion mechanism connected to a corresponding instrument manipulator frame, with each instrument manipulator frame remaining. And a system capable of translation along each telescoping insertion mechanism independent of the instrument manipulator frame. 12. The instrument of claim 11, wherein each instrument manipulator further comprises an instrument support feature and a latch mechanism mounted to the frame, the latch mechanism securing the instrument by moving the distal surface of the frame closer or away from the distal end of the instrument support feature. And operatively engage or disengage the actuator output of the manipulator and the actuator input of the instrument while being held in the closed position.

Images